Tottenham ‘make £13m transfer bid for Franck Kessie just six months after Ivorian midfielder joined Barcelona on a free’
TOTTENHAM have reportedly submitted a bid for Franck Kessie – just six months after his move to Barcelona.
The Ivory Coast international has failed to establish himself in the starting XI at the Nou Camp – starting only five of Barca’s 20 matches this season.
And Kessie‘s lack of minutes is said to have prompted Spurs boss Antonio Conte to table a £13million for his services.
Spanish journalist Alfredo Martinez said: “There is an offer from Tottenham for Kessie of just over 15 million euros.”
Despite his poor start to life at the Nou Camp, Kessie is eager to fight for his place in the starting XI.
Sport claim Kessie, 26, is “convinced” he can turn things around and become an integral part of Xavi’s squad.
But he’ll have to hit the ground running as it’s claimed club legend Xavi “doesn’t trust him”.
Spurs chief Conte revealed plans to strengthen his underperforming squad following their 2-2 draw with Brentford on Boxing Day.
He said: “What do I want the club to do? I think it’s not right to say this.
“I think that in every club, there is the head coach, and sporting director and the owner, to try to speak about the situation.
“I can give advice to my club, the way to try to improve the team, and to improve the quality in the squad.
HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
“Especially because after five months, the situation has changed, from the start of the season.
“I think if there is the opportunity to strengthen the squad, we will do something.
“You know which is our policy, you know very well which is our policy.
“We will try to follow this policy and to improve the team.
“If there is the possibility to strengthen the squad we will do it.
“Otherwise, we will continue with these players, and I am happy with them.”
Barcelona will be back in action on New Year’s Eve in a local derby with Espanyol at the Nou Camp.
Spurs, meanwhile, will welcome Aston Villa to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on New Year’s Day.