Tottenham Hotspur have made an offer for Ivorian central midfielder Franck Kessie, reports Barcelona-based journalist Alfredo Martinez.
Just six months ago, Kessie’s five-year spell at AC Milan came to an end. At the Rossoneri, he made 224 appearances, helping them to the Serie A title in his final season.
The midfielder departed to join Barcelona on a free transfer. Since then, he has made just five starts, as well as a further eight appearances off the bench.
Despite this, it is understood that both the player and manager Xavi would like him to stay. La Blaugrana currently sit top of La Liga, winning 12 and losing just one from 14 outings.
However, the Catalan giants are short on money, and may need to sell some first-team players if they wish to make new signings in January. The 26-year-old could be one of the men to go, with reports suggesting that Tottenham Hotspur are interested in his services.
As quoted by The Sun, journalist Alfredo Martinez said: “There is an offer from Tottenham for Kessie of just over 15 million euros.”
Spurs have had an inconsistent season so far. They currently sit inside the Champions League spots, one point ahead of fifth-placed Manchester United and ten points of league leaders Arsenal.
However, their performances have not always been convincing. They have conceded first in ten of their last 11 fixtures in all competitions, and have won just once in their last four.
Antonio Conte’s preferred central midfield pairing of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Rodrigo Bentancur has been solid, but depth will be necessary if they wish to compete on multiple fronts. The former has started all but one game this term, while the latter has been absent just twice.
Summer signing Yves Bissouma was intended to be the main back-up option, but he is yet to produce his best stuff in north London. Meanwhile, Oliver Skipp and Pape Matar Sarr are yet to prove themselves.
Tottenham kick off the new year with a home clash against Aston Villa, before travelling to Crystal Palace for a London derby. Then, they begin their FA Cup campaign with a third-round meeting against Portsmouth.
