Gianluca Di Marzio, who is a reporter for Sky Sports in Italy, claims that during the Spurs/Roma Erik Lamela discussions the idea was mooted of swapping left-backs Federico Balzaretti and Benoît Assou-Ekotto.
With Benny surplus to requirements now at White Hart Lane Balzaretti would be a cheaper replacement, his salary was £24,760 a week in 2012. Di Marzio explains that the idea is only at discussion stage and that swap deals are notoriously difficult, but the will is there to explore the situation. Balzaretti is 31 but would provide some experience in a position where Rose and Fryers are wearing their L plates.
Roma and Spurs seem to be forming something of a good working relationship with former Roma employee Franco Baldini as the natural middle man.
Before he signed for Southampton Pablo Osvaldo was offered to Spurs but we declined his services. The clubs seem to get along well and to form a working relationship with a club in Italy would certainly be beneficial in the long run.
The success of Spurs in the transfer market this summer can be placed firmly at Daniel Levy's feet. He had a strategy, he brought in Baldini and Franco has carried it out with aplomb.
You hear plenty of plaudits for Baldini and quite rightly, with his people skills and extensive contacts, he is regarded as one of the best in the game in his role. He was sourced, courted and signed by Levy after over a year of trying.
Hong Kong told us Bale was leaving but the masterstroke of blocking other clubs transfers by not releasing Bale until we have done ours and filling our squad with signings to make us forget all about Bale has worked a charm. The question now is how long we will make them all wait, he certainly isn't being bullied by Madrid who are painted as wanting everything now.
For all you Levy haters out there, and you must be dwindling, it's time you let bygones be bygones and finally admit he actually knows what he is doing!
With Benny surplus to requirements now at White Hart Lane Balzaretti would be a cheaper replacement, his salary was £24,760 a week in 2012. Di Marzio explains that the idea is only at discussion stage and that swap deals are notoriously difficult, but the will is there to explore the situation. Balzaretti is 31 but would provide some experience in a position where Rose and Fryers are wearing their L plates.
Roma and Spurs seem to be forming something of a good working relationship with former Roma employee Franco Baldini as the natural middle man.
Before he signed for Southampton Pablo Osvaldo was offered to Spurs but we declined his services. The clubs seem to get along well and to form a working relationship with a club in Italy would certainly be beneficial in the long run.
You hear plenty of plaudits for Baldini and quite rightly, with his people skills and extensive contacts, he is regarded as one of the best in the game in his role. He was sourced, courted and signed by Levy after over a year of trying.
Hong Kong told us Bale was leaving but the masterstroke of blocking other clubs transfers by not releasing Bale until we have done ours and filling our squad with signings to make us forget all about Bale has worked a charm. The question now is how long we will make them all wait, he certainly isn't being bullied by Madrid who are painted as wanting everything now.
For all you Levy haters out there, and you must be dwindling, it's time you let bygones be bygones and finally admit he actually knows what he is doing!
