Ivan Perisic to Tottenham takes giant leap forward, though move sparks ‘serious chances’ of Man Utd raid
Tottenham are closing in on Ivan Perisic, though a report has revealed why that could tee up a raid from Manchester United.
Perisic, 33, looks destined to reunite with Antonio Conte in north London. The Croatian is capable of operating anywhere on the left flank and made the left wing-back role his own with Inter Milan this season.
Perisic bagged a hefty eight goals and seven assists during the Serie A campaign. Those types of numbers represent a significant upgrade on what Conte got from Ryan Sessegnon and Sergio Reguilon.
But with Perisic poised to become a free agent on June 30, Spurs reportedly beat out interest from both Chelsea and Juventus. The Express reported a two-year deal worth £4m-per-season is on the cards.
Now, Romano has provided a fresh update on the situation and it makes great reading for Spurs fans.
The trusted journalist tweeted Ivan Perisic will fly to London in the coming hours to undergo a medical. While in the capital, he will meet with Conte and Spurs officials to apply the finishing touches to the move.
Romano reaffirmed Perisic’s deal will be for two years and gave his signature ‘here we go’ confirmation.
While that represents excellent news for Tottenham, it may also be warmly received in Manchester.
Ivan Perisic move to spark Bergwin exit?
Romano previously stated Steven Bergwijn will have ‘serious chances’ to leave Spurs in lieu of Perisic’s arrival.
The Dutch winger, 24, has been on the periphery since Conte took charge and was the subject of intense speculation over a return to his native Netherlands with Ajax in January.
Bergwijn would ultimately remain at Spurs, though his time may now be up.
Ivan Perisic will sign for Tottenham over Chelsea
Ivan Perisic will be a Tottenham player next season after leaving Inter Milan and snubbing Chelsea
Romano reaffirmed the interest of January suitor Ajax who were then managed by new Man Utd boss, Erik ten Hag.
In fact, the Express state Ten Hag attempted to bring Bergwijn to Amsterdam in each of the last three transfer windows. The stumbling block on each occasion was reportedly the finances required, particularly his wage demands.
Yet finances won’t be a problem at Old Trafford and it’s suggested a move to Man Utd is now viable.
Indeed, Ten Hag reportedly placed Bergwijn atop his list of attacking targets when appointed in April.
Fourth time lucky for Ten Hag, Bergwijn?
While Bergwijn may not represent the type of headline-grabbing name some United fans may have hoped for, a move would make sense on many levels.
Firstly, Bergwijn would have a point to prove having failed to make the desired impact at Spurs. Furthermore, he now has Premier League experience in his locker and would not require a bedding in period.
Manchester United are known to be targeting a striker and central midfielder this summer. However, a new centre-back,, right-back and wide forward are also under consideration.
Bergwijn would not be a bank breaker and would allow the bulk of United’s funds to be invested elsewhere. That may prove invaluable given the Express claimed Ten Hag will only receive £120m (prior to player sales) this summer.
The majority of that warchest would be used up on Frenkie de Jong if United can strike a deal with Barcelona. Even their reserve targets in midfield – such as Ruben Neves – could cost north of £50m.
Finally, Bergwijn is clearly a player Ten Hag rates highly given his previous attempts to sign him in Amsterdam.