Transfer News: Napoli favourites to sign Tottenham Hotspur target Walid Cheddira
According to The Sun (h/t Nottingham Post), Serie A side Napoli are favourites to sign SSC Bari and Morocco international forward Walid Cheddira amid interest from Tottenham Hotspur.
It is believed that the close relationship between Bari and Napoli give them an advantage over other suitors which include Spurs, Lazio and Nottingham Forest.
The 24-year-old is currently in Qatar and made two appearances for the Atlas Lions as they had a fairy-tale run in the World Cup, reaching the semi-finals before losing 2-0 to France. They will now play Croatia on Saturday (December 17) for the third-place game.
Cheddira has been in fine form for his club and play in the second division of Italian football in Serie B. The 24-year-old has scored 14 goals for his side in 15 appearances in all competitions.
Spurs need to add reinforcements up front. Richarlison has suffered a hamstring injury and is expected to be sidelined for some time. This leaves Harry Kane, Son Hueng-min and Dejan Kulusevski to lead the line.
Bryan Gil and Lucas Moura have failed to impress so far and their futures remain uncertain. Cheddira has been in fine form and also impressed with the limited minutes he has got at the World Cup.
Kane is 29 now and will not forever be at the top of his game. Spurs need to look for a long-term replacement for their talisman and the 24-year-old could be that. Him playing under a coach like Conte would help him realise his true potential, something he may not be able to do so in Italy.
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However, Napoli are leading the race and it will be wise for the north London club to step up their pursuit. It remains to be seen if Spurs can land the young forward.