Tottenham are reportedly already closing in on their first signing of the Antonio Conte era in AC Milan midfielder Franck Kessie.
The midfielder has attracted interest from all around Europe including Manchester United and Barcelona ahead of his contract expiring at the San Siro next summer.
However, according to CalcioMercato via The Sun, the 24-year-old is now ‘close’ to securing a move to north London worth £8.5million per year following talks with the player’s agent George Atangana.
The report indicates that the deal would be subject to Atangana receiving maximum commission, with Kessie’s wages working out to just shy of £165,000 per week.
The central midfielder is free to sign a pre-contract with any European club in January which would set in place a move for the following season.
Conte only took charge of Spurs on Tuesday but already he is hoping to start a revolution at the club who have steadily declined in the last three years under three different managers.
These including Mauricio Pochettino’s poor final year, Jose Mourinho and Nuno Espirito Santo, who was brutally sacked after just four months in charge on Monday following Sunday’s 3-0 defeat at home by Manchester United.
Kessie has previously attracted interest from Spurs with managing director Fabio Paratici having reportedly met with Atangaga back in the summer over a potential move.
Back then reports claimed that Kessie had been offered a five-year-deal worth £128-per-week – £37,000 less on what he could now earn at Spurs.
Although Kessie can clinch a free transfer next summer, AC Milan could try to sell him in January to recoup a small transfer fee.
Milan though are refusing to give up hope of keeping Kessie, with manager Stefano Pioli outlining his desire for the player to stay recently.
‘I would like Kessie to sign,’ he told the Italian media. ‘The negotiations go on between the club and his agent, and I don’t think it’s the time to worry.
‘With Franck, I only talk about matters relating to the pitch and I always see him as positive and serene, there are no problems.’
Source: DailyMail Sports