Tottenham Transfer News: Latest Rumours on Erik Lamela Exit and Jordan Lukaku

Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Erik Lamela could be the subject of a big-money bid from Italian giants AC Milan when the transfer window opens in January.

According to Italian outlet Calciomercatoweb, AC Milan chief executive Marco Fassone and general manager Massimo Mirabelli have been spotted in London of late looking for potential midfield reinforcements—and Lamela is top of their wish list (via James Cambridge of Daily Express).

The Serie A club are said to be preparing a £22 million bid to secure the Argentinian’s services, and they’re set to test Tottenham’s resolve as soon as January.

Lamela moved to White Hart Lane from AS Roma in the summer of 2013 for a club-record fee, and although he didn’t start life in London particularly well, he’s started to justify his astronomical price tag in recent times.

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He’s scored two goals and set up three more in all competitions so far this term, per WhoScored.com, yet he still can’t force his way into Mauricio Pochettino’s starting lineup on a regular basis.

That much could give Lamela an incentive to head for the White Hart Lane exit door, and while such an eventuality could have Spurs fans incensed, London Evening Standard’s Tom Collomosse says the 24-year-old is struggling to find a spark:

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After a strong end to last season and a good start to this, Erik Lamela has looked a little sluggish in recent matches. Here [against West Bromwich Albion], he was taken off midway through the second half after his poor decision-making saw a number of Spurs attacks stall.

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Lamela’s contract in north London runs until the summer of 2020. AC Milan are also said to be interested in Manchester United’s Memphis Depay and Chelsea midfielder Cesc Febregas.

Elsewhere, Tottenham are reportedly eyeing up Everton striker Romelu Lukaku’s brother, Jordan, in an attempt to bolster their defensive line.

Mike McGrath of the Sun reports that Spurs are interested in bringing the £10 million-rated left-back to White Hart Lane, with Ben Davies potentially moving away as a result.

Davies sits beneath Danny Rose in Tottenham’s left-back pecking order, and Lukaku’s introduction would see the Welshman slip further adrift of the first team.

Spurs came perilously close to winning the Premier League title last season, and the way they’ve started the 2016/17 campaign suggests they’ll be there or thereabouts come May again.

Wise spending in the January transfer window could prove the difference between a serious title challenge and a season of precious little note, while holding on to prize assets like Lamela could also be crucial.