“Will leave Atalanta”- Tottenham’s summer target on fast-expiring contract tipped to join PL rivals

Tottenham Hotspur transfer target Ruslan Malinovskyi tipped to join Nottingham Forest or West Ham United

Tottenham Hotspur were linked with a move for Atalanta midfielder Ruslan Malinovskyi in the summer, as per NottinghamshireLive. His wife, Roksana, even seemed to have hinted on social media last month that the player was primed to leave his team.

On a deal that expires in the summer of 2023 and the player allegedly unsettled at the club, a move away from Bergamo seemed to make sense for all parties involved. However, he ended up staying at Atalanta.

Now, his team are in a situation where they have to take a decision on the Ukraine international through the course of this season – whether they try to extend his stay, let him leave as a free agent, or offload him in January so they don’t lose him on a Bosman transfer.

However, it seems that the 29-year-old midfielder is likely to join one of Nottingham Forest or West Ham United. Journalist Paolo Bargiggia in a translated interview, he told 7 Gold via Area Napoli (h/t NottinghamshireLive):

“Malinovskyi, in all probability, will leave Atalanta. His future could be in England – 60 percent (it is likely he) will go to Nottingham Forest; 30 percent to West Ham, another club interested in the player; 10 percent for other possible destinations.”

He did acknowledge that there is a slight chance that the player leaves for another destination apart from the London Stadium and the City Ground. Could that mean Tottenham? That can’t be said, but at least it doesn’t completely rule out a move to N17.

Spurs perhaps aren’t desperate for a new midfield addition if you look at Yves Bissouma’s fate so far. The Mali international joined from Brighton & Hove Albion this summer and has only enjoyed 141 minutes of competitive action so far.

To add to that, midfielder Oliver Skipp is expected to come into the first-team picture as well after missing the start of the season due to an injury. Malinovskyi makes sense as a free transfer or on a cut-price deal in January.

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It just remains to be seen if the Lilywhites retain their interest in the former KRC Genk star and are in the mood to go toe-to-toe with other teams for his signature.