TOTTENHAM are preparing a move for Fiorentina midfielder Matias Vecino.
Spurs have approached the Serie A club to test the waters as Mauricio Pochettino eyes reinforcements.
Uruguay international Vecino, 25, has been a key part of Fiorentina’s midfield – playing 40 times in all competitions this season.
The defensive-minded playmaker would provide depth in Spurs’ squad and could cover the gap left if Eric Dier quits White Hart Lane.
But Vecino could come at a price as he is under contract until 2021 so Fiorentina are under no pressure to sell.
England international Dier, 23, is a target for Manchester United after seeing Victor Wanyama move ahead of him in the Spurs pecking order.
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He is among a number of Tottenham’s Three Lions stars who have caught the eye of wealthy rivals as they helped Poch mount a title challenge.
Manchester City targets Kyle Walker and Danny Rose are also considering their options.
Kieran Trippier is reportedly close to agreeing a fresh five-year deal which could lead to Walker being flogged.
Matias Vecino fact file
- Vecino’s surname translates as neighbour and he will hope to cause Arsenal some grief is he joins Spurs.
- The Uruguayan is – like many of his countrymen – a rubgy fan.
- His sole international goal came in a friendly win over Trinidad and Tobago in 2016 – he has won 13 caps in all.
- But he did score the key strike which sent his nation to the London Olympics.
- Vecino’s career has taken him from Central Espanol in his homeland to Fiorentina via Nacional – he also had loan spells at Cagliari and Empoli.
Pochettino saw Juventus agree a £22m fee with Sampdoria for highly-rated young striker Patrik Schick in a blow to his summer plans.
And the Argentine boss is set to launch a £17.5m move for Germany Under-21s star Max Meyer.
Schalke were demanding £39m last summer to put off Spurs but he is refusing to sign a new deal which will sharply cut the asking price.
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