Tottenham Hotspur have been dealt another blow in their pursuit of Fiorentina striker, Dusan Vlahovic, after his manager, Vincenzo Italiano, said that the player wants to stay at the club.
The 21-year-old striker has been linked with a move to Spurs all summer, but has attracted interest from some of the top clubs in world football, including the likes of Atletico Madrid.
After scoring 21 goals in 40 appearances for the Florence-based outfit last term, many tipped him, as well as Inter star Lautaro Martinez, as possible long-term replacements for Harry Kane in north London, especially as the England captain’s future remains uncertain.
Speaking to Italian outlet, Fiorenze Viola, Via football365.com, Italiano said: “The lad wants to stay and the club wants to keep him,” in a press conference ahead of Sunday evening’s Serie A opener against Roma.
“He is negotiating in a calm manner, I speak to Vlahovic often and at this moment he is 100 per cent with Fiorentina. I’m convinced he will be in future too.
“There are no problems, because the lad is fully concentrated.”
His words come just days after the club’s president, Rocco Commisso, said that he does not wish to sell Vlahovic, nor has he ever put him up for sale.
In an interview with TGR Rai Toscana, via inside futbol , Commisso confirmed that Fiorentina intend to keep him in the long-term. “I didn’t put Vlahovic up for sale.
“On the contrary, we made him a big renewal offer.
“There are teams interested in him but I have not put a price on him. I want him to stay for one more year.”
Spurs also face competition from Manchester City for his signature, but with the transfer window closing at the end of the month, both clubs will have to get a move on if they wish to sign the Serbian.