Marseille eye Tottenham Hotspur transfer target amid swap deal claims

Spurs continue to be active in the transfer market - but they face competition for their latest target.
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Marseille have reportedly ‘opened talks’ with Tottenham Hotspur transfer target Ruslan Malinovskyi.

Recent reports have suggested Antonio Conte was keen to add the Atalanta star to his squad and a loan deal with an option for a permanent move was in the offing over the coming days.

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TuttoAtlanta had reported talks were well underway and the Ukraine international was keen on moving to North London before the end of the summer transfer window.

However, CalcioMercato have now reported Marseille are serious contenders to sign the 29-year-old and added a swap deal has been suggested to sweeten the deal.

The Ligue 1 club are ready to offer Turkish winger Cengiz Under in exchange for a permanent move to take Malinovskyi to the Orange Velodrome.

Journalist Fabrizio Romano confirmed Marseille’s interest via his Twitter account and stated Under would form part of negotiations.

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He said: “Olympique Marseille are in talks to sign Ruslan Malinovskyi. Ukrainian midfielder wants a new challenge, as OM are negotiating with Atalanta and player side.

“Cengiz Ünder can be included in the deal, as part of the negotiation - still in discussion.”

Romano was also asked about Spurs interest in the midfielder and replied: “Tottenham interest is there since long time but OM have made an official proposal for Malinovskyi, Spurs not yet as of now. Let’s see.”

Spurs manager Antonio Conte opened up on possible additions over Thursday and admitted new signings would only be made if he allows a current member of his squad to depart.

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He said: “We're okay. But if someone goes away, for sure another player has to come.

“Especially if some players want to go to play regularly. It's difficult to keep them here.

“But at the same time, it has to be very clear that if a player wants to go play, I have to replace this player. This is very important. We need to have a squad capable to face a lot of games until November. This is very important for me.”

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