Tottenham Hotspur are still firm admirers of Ruslan Malinovskyi despite failing in their attempts to lure the Atalanta star to Hotspur Way during the summer, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has told GiveMeSport.

Spurs head coach Antonio Conte will be handed an opportunity to bolster his squad when the winter window opens at the turn of the year.

GiveMeSport Transfer Update

Tottenham transfer news - Ruslan Malinovskyi

According to Italian media outlet Corriere di Bergamo, via Sport Witness, Tottenham have upped the ante in their pursuit of Malinovskyi by tabling a £13million bid.

But the report suggests the proposal has not met Atalanta's demands and they are not prepared to offload the Ukraine international on the cheap.

That is despite Malinovskyi's £19,000-per-week deal expiring next summer, meaning he could pen a pre-contract agreement with an overseas side in a matter of weeks.

But Tottenham are not the only side looking to tempt the attacking midfielder away from Serie A as Nottingham Forest, West Ham United and Marseille are also admirers.

Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridge recently told GiveMeSport he is aware that Tottenham have discussed making a move for Malinovskyi ahead of the transfer window reopening.

Read more: January Transfer Window 2023: When Does It Begin, Rumours and Everything You Need To Know

What has Fabrizio Romano said about Malinovskyi?

Romano understands that Malinovskyi is still admired by Tottenham chief Conte after initially earmarking him as a top target during the summer.

But the journalist believes Atalanta were not willing to accept the north Londoners' initial proposal, making it difficult to get a deal over the line.

Romano told GiveMeSport: "Malinovskyi remains a player they appreciate. They wanted him in the summer and he was a priority, but the problem here is Atalanta.

"Atalanta didn't accept a loan deal with a buy option. Atalanta always wanted more than this - a permanent deal or nothing for Ruslan Malinovskyi."

Would Malinovskyi be a good signing for Spurs?

It has been an underwhelming season for Malinovskyi, with Transfermarkt statistics showing he has only scored one goal and registered a further two assists in 14 appearances.

While those figures are not necessarily eye-catching, he has previously shown that he is capable of being a major threat in the final third of the pitch by racking up 142 goal contributions over the course of his club career.

Malinovskyi also showed signs of getting back to his best during Atalanta's 2-1 defeat to Lecce last month as he was handed an 8.2 match rating by Sofascore after grabbing an assist, winning three ground duels and making two tackles.

The 29-year-old would offer Conte a different option at Tottenham, which could prove beneficial as the capital club looks to qualify for the Champions League next season and challenge for silverware, so he may be a shrewd acquisition.

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