Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly considering whether to renew their interest in Atalanta BC midfielder Ruslan Malinovskyi during the January transfer window.
Spurs were proactive during the summer with head coach Antonio Conte being provided with seven fresh faces in a bid to transform his team into Premier League title challengers.
However, with just two weeks remaining until the break for the World Cup, Spurs are five points adrift of leaders Arsenal, having played a game more, and are yet to secure their spot in the Champions League knockout stages.
Conte has made no secret about wanting to make significant additions to his squad at the turn of the year, particularly having been left short in the final third due to injuries.
Last week, a report suggested that the Italian ideally wanted to sign three new players, while fringe squad members may head out in the opposite direction.
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According to Calciomercato, the North London outfit are keeping tabs on Malinovskyi's situation at Atalanta.
While the 29-year-old was once regarded as a certain starter at the Italian side, that is no longer the case at a time when they are challenging for the Serie A title.
The Ukraine international has made just four league starts during 2022-23, with a further seven coming from the substitutes' bench.
At a time when the versatile midfielder has contributed just one goal and one assist, he has also been provided with just 395 minutes of Serie A football.
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Although he remains as a valuable squad member for boss Gian Piero Gasperini, Malinovskyi's contract is due to expire at the end of the season.
The player will be free to hold discussions regarding a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs from January onwards, and a free transfer at the end of the season remains a possibility.
However, the report suggests that Spurs are among a number of clubs who will be willing to negotiate a deal with Atalanta at the turn of the year.
West Ham United, Nottingham Forest and Marseille are also said to be monitoring the situation, aware that Malinovskyi could be available for a cut-price fee.
Darren Plant
