Torino chairman admits Tottenham striker target may already have agreement in place
Andrea Belotti who has been linked with solving an eight-year issue at Tottenham may already have an agreement with his next club in place, per Torino’s chairman.
The age-old problem of signing a dependable back-up to Harry Kane has plagued Tottenham for nearly eight years. The likes of Vincent Janssen, Fernando Llorente and Carlos Vinicius were all tried, though all flopped.
The main issue stems from the fact that barring a Kane injury, the back-up will hardly feature. There are very few top level strikers in world football who are content to sit on the bench most weeks.
Regardless, reports from Italy in March put Tottenham in the mix to sign Torino hitman Andrea Belotti.
The Italy international, 28, is poised to become a free agent this summer.
Not so long ago, the thought of Belotti leaving to become a back-up elsewhere would’ve been unthinkable. Indeed, his record at Torino stands at 110 goals in 246 appearances.
However, Belotti has struggled with form and fitness this season resulting in a modest return of just five league goals from 17 matches.
Belotti could earn more being Kane’s back-up in north London than being a regular starter in Italy.
Conte, Paratici both high on Belotti
What’s more, Sport Witness revealed Spurs’ Italian connections through Antonio Conte and Fabio Paratici could aid their cause if they pursue the striker. Both Conte and Paratici were deemed fans of Belotti.
Now, Torino chairman Urbano Cairo has addressed what the future holds for Belotti. If his comments are anything to go by, it will lay away from Turin.
“Belotti? He may have already signed up for another club,” admitted Cairo (via TuttoMercatoWeb). “Maybe he could also tell us, but that’s okay.”
When pushed further on Belotti’s situation, Cairo added: “Belotti expires. He may have already signed with someone.
“Let’s say that from February 1 he was free to sign. Theoretically he could also have done so [already].
“Disappointed? I no longer talk about this issue.”
Belotti’s future certainly seems like it will lay away from Torino per the chairman’s comments. And given his status as a free agent, he could prove a canny piece of business for whoever brings him on board.
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