Liverpool & Tottenham Ready To Battle-It-Out Over Italian International

As the opening of the summer transfer window approaches, managers are working hard identifying targets and lining-up potential deals so we’ll bring you all the news and gossip. Today, Liverpool and Tottenham are linked with Angelo Ogbonna…

Liverpool and Tottenham are eyeing summer swoops for out-of-favour Juventus centre-back Angelo Ogbonna, according to ESPN.

Ogbanna became one of the most sought-after defenders in European football after an impressive stint with Torino and Juventus beat off competition from a whole host of clubs to secure his signature in the summer of 2013.

However, the 26-year-old’s time in Turin hasn’t gone according to plan as he’s struggled to establish himself as a first team regular over the past two seasons.

The likes of Giorgio Chiellini, Leonardo Bonucci and Andrea Barzagli are all ahead of him in the pecking order and he’s been restricted to making just 16 Serie A starts this year as Juve retained their title.

The lack of regular action has led to speculation suggesting that Ogbonna could look for a move this summer in search of first team football and it appears he could be given the chance to try his luck here in the Premier League.

ESPN are reporting that both Liverpool and Tottenham were keen on Ogbonna when he left Torino in 2013 and are now ready to renew their interest in the defender at the end of the season.

Reds boss Brendan Rodgers is expected to be busy in the transfer market this summer with a new centre-back among his priorities, while Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino is after replacements for Younes Kaboul and Vlad Chiriches, and ESPN claim that Ogbonna is high on both managers wish-list.

READ MORE –> Liverpool transfer news | Spurs transfer news

It remains to be seen whether Juve will be willing to cash-in but I’m sure they will consider it if the price is right and the report suggests that Liverpool and Spurs are confident they’ll be able to persuade the defender to leave Turin.

Ogbonna was developing into a fine centre-back a couple of years ago and had broken into the Italian national team set-up. He looks like he’s lost his confidence at Juventus but if Liverpool or Spurs could get him back playing at his best then he would make for an excellent addition for either club.