Tottenham hope their Yves Bissouma problem might be solved by Manu Kone’s proposed move from Roma to Inter Milan.
Midfielder Kone is wanted by Inter who are prepared to pay £25million plus add-ons. Roma are holding out for more. They value the France international midfield closer to £45m but talks are open.
New Roma boss Gian Piero Gasperini is prioritising two new wingers, with Leon Bailey of Aston Villa and Jadon Sancho of Manchester United at the top of the wish list.
Bissouma though could emerge as a viable option to plug the void left by Kone in central midfield and intermediaries have made an approach. Spurs would accept anything close to £20m for a player whose contract expires in less than a year and yet there have been no firm bids.
Although his well-documented disciplinary issues could force the figure down. Thomas Frank axed him from the squad for Super Cup final against Paris Saint-Germain because he was late once too often.
It was the latest in a series of indiscretions. A year ago, he was left out by Ange Postecoglou after being filmed inhaling nitrous oxide from a balloon.
Frank confirmed on Friday, he was prepared to move on from the matter and that Bissouma was back in the fold and available for Saturday’s Premier League opener against Burnley.
‘We have dealt with the situation internally,’ said the new Spurs boss. ‘There was a situation. I addressed it.
‘There was a consequence and he will be in the squad. It is dealt with. We move forward to a big game.’
There has been interest in Bissouma from Fenerbahce where Jose Mourinho is looking for an athletic and creative midfielder who would provide an upgrade on Sofyan Amrabat as he looks to chase down champions and arch rivals Galatasaray in the Turkish Super Lig.
Bissouma fits the bill perfectly but the asking price was too high for Fenerbahce earlier in the summer when Spurs were laughing off suggestions they might sell for as little as £10m.
With little more than a fortnight before the transfer market closes again there may be scope for movement to generate more funds for their pursuit of top targets Eberechi Eze and Savinho, both valued by their clubs at £67m.
