Report: Spurs have ‘knocked on the door’ for Serie A defender this summer
According to a report from Calcio Mercato, Tottenham Hotspur are picking up their interest in AS Roma defender Roger Ibanez, with a €35 million (£31m) deal thought to be the end goal.
Ibanez joined Roma in the summer of 2021, having spent 18 months on loan there from Atalanta.
He now has 134 appearances for the Italian side, scoring nine goals from the centre of defence (Transfermarkt).
The Brazilian defender was the subject of interest from Tottenham last summer, when Roma Giallorossa reported the North London club were among those to enquire about the availability of the player.
Reports from Il Messaggero named Newcastle United as another club courting the 24-year-old.
No move came to fruition at that time, but speculation is mounting once more that Ibanez could be on the move at the end of the season.
The latest from Forza Roma suggests Ibanez is back on Tottenham’s radar amid claims the player has been meeting with his agent recently.
It is thought Spurs have “knocked on the door again,” and there is expected to be interest there regardless of Antonio Conte’s future with the Lilywhites.
This is corroborated by Calcio Mercato who claim Tottenham’s initial interest in Ibanez was merely “postponed” after last summer, and there is thought to be another approach pending for the upcoming summer.
West Ham are also thought to be in the race for his signature.
Roma have placed a “high” price tag on the player, believed to be around €35 million (£31m).
However, the fact the club are under pressure from Financial Fair Play means the Serie A side could be forced to sell Ibanez whether they like it or not.
Spurs Web Opinion
Ibanez is an aggressive centre-half who is comfortable on the ball, and appears to be in a similar mould to Cristian Romero.
However, he does have better timing in the tackle than the Argentine, and would be a very good acquisition if we can make it happen.
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