The last few days have seen a number of media sources (including TEAMtalk and Sky Sports) report that, despite their initial plans to only sign an attacker and a center-back in January, the North Londoners are now thinking about pursuing a midfield player in light of Rodrigo Bentancur’s injury.
It is believed that Cristante is one of the midfield players that Tottenham is considering. Last month, Il Romanista disclosed that the Lilywhites had determined that the 28-year-old was the best match for Ange Postecoglou’s formation.
According to the report, even though Mourinho is desperate to hang onto the versatile Italy international, the Giallorossi would find it difficult to reject a substantial offer from Spurs.
A few weeks back, Il Messaggero (via TMW) claimed that Roma would find it “difficult to say no” to Tottenham’s offer of €30 million (£26.2 million) for the midfield player.
Mourinho commends Cristante despite Spurs connections
Now, Mourinho has emphasized again how crucial the midfield player is to his goals, apparently giving the Stadio Olimpico administration a clear message.
In contrast to having just one 28-year-old, the former Spurs head coach said he wished he had four or five players.
We only have one Cristante, sadly, he told Corriere dello Sport (as reported by Roma Press). He would perform in three or four different guises.
Nevertheless, he is a fantastic role model for the others as he plays with an intense level of focus and lack of superficiality. He is the only one of his kind.”
Spurs Online Views
Mourinho would be very upset if Tottenham were to sign Cristiante because he would hate to lose the midfield player. Therefore, it stands to reason that the Portuguese coach would battle valiantly to keep the 28-year-old in the Italian city.