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Tottenham Hotspur interested in Juventus' Samuel Iling-Junior?

By Ben Knapton, Senior Reporter | 14 November 2023

Tottenham interested in Samuel Iling-Junior?

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly interested in a January deal for Juventus winger Samuel Iling-Junior, who is under contract in Turin until 2025.

Tottenham Hotspur are admirers of Juventus winger Samuel Iling-Junior, according to a report.

The 20-year-old was on the books with Chelsea's youth academy before departing for Turin in 2020, and he already boasts 22 appearances for Juventus at senior level.

A breakthrough 2022-23 season saw Iling-Junior come up with one goal and two assists in 18 matches for Massimiliano Allegri's outfit, scoring on his maiden Serie A start in a 2-0 win over Atalanta BC.

The ex-Blues youngster - who primarily operates off the left - has only made fleeting appearances in the 2023-24 term so far thanks to Juventus' strong form, but he has one assist to show from four substitute outings in the Italian top flight.

On account of his progression in Turin, Iling-Junior was handed his first call-up to England's Under-21s by Lee Carsley in September and is in the Young Lions' squad for November's fixtures with Serbia and Northern Ireland.

Juventus' Dusan Vlahovic celebrates scoring their first goal with Samuel Iling-Junior on May 18, 2023 © Reuters

Back in December 2022, the 20-year-old was officially promoted to the Juventus first-team squad from their Next Gen setup, and his first professional deal runs until the summer of 2025.

The Bianconeri could be facing an uphill battle to keep hold of their England Under-21 international, though, as The Independent claims that Tottenham have him on their radar.

The report states that while Iling-Junior is highly-rated by the powers-that-be at Juventus, the Old Lady could be tempted to do further business with Tottenham, whom they possess an excellent working relationship with.

During Antonio Conte's reign, Spurs brought Rodrigo Bentancur and Dejan Kulusevski to the club from Juve in January 2022, and both players were integral in helping Tottenham achieve a top-four finish.

Kulusevski's loan was converted into a permanent move this summer, while Brennan Johnson and Manor Solomon were also added to Spurs' ranks, but the latter is one of several players on the club's long-term injury list.

Tottenham Hotspur head coach Ange Postecoglou reacts on November 11, 2023 © Reuters

Fellow left-sided options Ryan Sessegnon, Ivan Perisic and Richarlison are also sidelined due to recent surgeries, while James Maddison will miss the remainder of 2023 owing to an ankle injury.

As a result, Tottenham are apparently keen to strengthen their attacking ranks midway through the campaign, having lost their grip on top spot in the Premier League table with back-to-back losses to Chelsea and Wolverhampton Wanderers.

A new centre-back could also be on Spurs' January agenda, as Micky van de Ven is also sidelined for the remainder of the calendar year with a thigh problem, while Eric Dier is out of contract in 2024.

Tottenham are thought to have drawn up a four-man shortlist of rearguard options for the mid-season window, including Torino's Perr Schuurs, Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi and Bournemouth's Lloyd Kelly.