Nottingham Forest transfer target Ruslan Malinovskyi has reportedly made Tottenham his preferred destination.
Forest had joined the race with Spurs and Marseille for the signature of the midfielder, who is apparently on the lookout for a new challenge, having entered the final year of his deal. The Reds, who tried to move ahead of the race, saw a £12.5million bid rejected.
Given Spurs' interest, the Ukrainian was apparently not willing to pass up on the opportunity of being coached by Antonio Conte, according to Corriere Bergamo. Ukrainian journalist Viktor Vatkso said: "Luca Percassi [Atalanta president] had a meeting during the day with Ruslan Malinovskyi.
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"He presented himself in the meeting saying that he would be willing to go on loan to Tottenham, without considering the Marseille offer. Luca Percassi really likes Malinovskyi and does not want to let him leave, and reiterated it to the player."
Meanwhile Atalanta boss Gian Pierro said: "[Malinovskyi] has been extraordinary for us. He has been great at adapting, he has done some very good things.
"But it’s right for Atalanta to look for a player who scores more than six goals. He has adapted very well. But it’s right that in the market the club looks for players with characteristics more suitable for [our] game."
With Atalanta missing out on Champions League football this season, it is believed that was a key factor for the player's decision.
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