Report: Tottenham make enquiry for Andrea Pirlo’s 17-year-old protege who could cost only £4m this summer

Tottenham Hotspur are now interested in signing a young defender who is beginning to make a name for himself under Andrea Pirlo.

As well as strengthening Ange Postecoglou’s first team this summer, Tottenham will want to continue to build for the future.

Daniel Levy is carefully crafting a project that has real sustainability, aiming to keep Spurs at the top of English and European football for some time.

Wayne Burnett’s success with Tottenham’s Premier League 2 side last season is an excellent demonstration of the young talent that exists in north London.

And if there’s ever a manager who is willing to hand chances to promising youngsters, it’s Postecoglou.

Therefore, it seems as if Spurs will continue to invest in their youth ranks, as they did when signing Ashley Phillips from Blackburn Rovers last season.

And according to TuttoSport in Italy, Tottenham have now made an enquiry for 17-year-old centre-back Giovanni Leoni.

Sampdoria willing to sell Tottenham target Giovanni Leoni for £4m this summer

Despite his age, Leoni has now claimed a first team role under Pirlo for Sampdoria in the Serie B.

The young defender played 12 times last season, scoring first senior goal in the process.

Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images

And according to the report mentioned, Sampdoria would actually be willing to sell Leoni this summer.

Pirlo’s side need to raise funds to strengthen their squad next season and hope to recoup €5-6m for Leoni.

That being said, Sampdoria would like Leoni to return on loan for a year as part of any deal, which could suit Tottenham.

As mentioned, Ashley Phillips eventually returned to the Championship on loan last season, better readying himself for the demands of Premier League football.

And at 17-years-old, Leoni would seriously benefit from a season of first team football in the Serie B, as opposed to joining Burnett’s youth side – as successful as they may be.

Therefore, if reports are to be believed, Tottenham could perhaps execute a deal for Leoni with little fuss, perhaps someone who could line up alongside Luka Vuskovic one day in N17.

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