‘Interest’ - Journalist drops big claim on ‘spectacular’ Spurs target; Conte’s a ‘big fan’

According to journalist Pete O’Rourke, Tottenham manager Antonio Conte is a ‘big fan’ of reported transfer target Lautaro Martinez, which could mean that Spurs attempt to sign him during the summer.

The Lilywhites were heavily linked with a £60m move for the 24-year-old last summer, but despite talks being held with Inter Milan over a potential switch, a deal wasn’t able to be completed because Romelu Lukaku was leaving to join Chelsea, as the Serie A champions wouldn’t allow both of their main strikers to depart.

As a result, the Argentine ended up committing his future to the Nerazzurri and put pen to paper on a new five-year contract which would keep him at the San Siro until at least 2026.

However, due to Inter’s current financial problems, it has been reported by The Times that they are now open to letting Martinez go and are said to have stuck a £70m price tag on him.

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Speaking to GiveMeSport, O’Rourke revealed that Conte has always kept an eye on the Argentina forward amid claims that Spurs’ interest might be reignited.

The journalist said: “He’s a long-term target of Antonio Conte, Lautaro Martinez. He’s worked with him already at Inter Milan, he’s a big fan of him. Spurs have also shown previous interest in Martinez.”

The 37-cap international has enjoyed a highly successful spell during his time at Inter, with a total of 95 goal contributions in 177 appearances to date, as per Transfermarkt.

Once dubbed a “spectacular” player by his Argentina team-mate and Paris Saint-Germain star Lionel Messi, Martinez could prove to be the perfect attacking partner and provide some serious competition for Harry Kane, who is the only senior centre-forward in Spurs’