Spurs have turned their sights to Axel Witsel after resistance from Southampton over the transfer of Victor Wanyama and Sven Bender, according to the Sunday Telegraph.
Witsel, who plays in Russia for Zenit, has been linked away from the club tirelessly this summer. AC Milan are said to have a strong interest in the Belgian midfielder, and at one point looked certain to sign him, but interest from other clubs have seen the deal stall.
According to the article, Pochettino has seen interest in Wanyama and Sven Bender repelled by their clubs and have now set their sights on the midfielder. Interest in James McCarthy of Everton was also swiftly rejected and the Irishman signed a new deal to quash any concern over his future.
football-italia.net yesterday wrote that intermediary Francesco Marseglia told Milannews.it that “The lad (Witsel) wants to come to Milan and if the Rossoneri want him then he’s ready to arrive in Italy tomorrow.”
“It would be a loan for €3m with mandatory option to buy once the player made 20 appearances. The option would be €22m-€23m plus a few bonuses.” Milan were due to hold talks with Zenit today over a potential move being finalised.
