Tottenham battling Serie A trio for €24m defender in ‘strange’ transfer saga

Tottenham are embroiled in the battle to sign Hellas Verona defender Marash Kumbulla, according to reports in Italy.

Kumbulla enjoyed a breakout season in Serie A in 2019-20, making 25 appearances in his maiden top flight campaign.

Verona exceeded expectations to finish in the top half in their first season after winning promotion – and their defence was a major factor in that.

Kumbulla was one of the standout components, and the 20-year-old has attracted interest from a number of clubs.

As far back as January, the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea were suggested as potential suitors – as well as Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City. But since then, Tottenham have stepped forward.

Reports in May claimed that Tottenham had identified Kumbulla as a potential replacement for Jan Vertonghen, who subsequently left the club for Benfica.

Now, an update from L’Arena confirms Spurs are still in the hunt for Kumbulla. The Italian outlet warns Serie A suitors to “watch out” for Jose Mourinho.

The Spurs boss is interested in the Albanian centre-back, although Tottenham are yet to make a formal offer.

Three Serie A clubs interested

In Italy, Inter, Lazio and Milan are weighing up moves for Kumbulla. However, none of them are close to completing a deal, meaning the situation remains “strange” for the Italian-born defender.

Inter have other priorities, and would not be able to guarantee Kumbulla first team football. Therefore, they are in “no hurry” to bid for him.

Meanwhile, their rivals Milan are looking for an alternative option to their main partnership of Alessio Romagnoli and Simon Kjaer.

Elsewhere, Lazio have refused to raise their offer above €20m. Verona are holding out for €28m, but could drop their demands to €24m.