Tottenham Hotspur still want to sign Genoa defender Radu Dragusin, sources have told Football Insider.
Speaking to Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, editor Wayne Veysey revealed that the transfer for the central defender will not be completed anytime soon, but that Ange Postecoglou’s players are “very active” in their search for him.
Dragusin’s agent Florin Manea stated earlier in the week that his client is very happy at the Serie A club, and hinted that he will not be leaving this transfer window.
However, sources have told Football Insider that Genoa are open to selling the Romania international and are willing to pay £25 million for him.
Football Insider revealed (31 December) that Spurs are in daily communication with Dragusin’s camp in order to complete the deal later this month, with their former director of football Fabio Paratici being the driving force behind the deal.
Tottenham remain in contact about the deal, although their efforts have been complicated by Napoli’s interest in the player.
Nevertheless, the London giants are in the best position to agree a second deal in January, as the purchase of Tim Werner on loan is agreed.
Football Insider reported on Saturday that the German striker will undergo a medical at Tottenham on Sunday to finalise the transfer.
Dragusin is a mainstay for Genoa and has started every game in all competitions this season.
He has scored two goals in Serie A – a goal against Hellas Verona and the equaliser in the 1-1 draw against Inter Milan last month.
The 21-year-old moved to Genoa for £4.7 million after the club triggered his release clause during his loan from Juventus.
The Rossoblu would now be expected to pay considerably more for Dragusin, who is keen on a move to the Premier League.
Tottenham are fifth in the Premier League standings after a 3-1 win against Bournemouth on New Year’s Eve and will play Burnley at home in the FA Cup on Friday night (5 January).