A journalist has revealed he believes Tottenham are “trying to lower the price” of Dejan Kulusevski, after reports suggested they have decided against the signing.

Kulusevski looked a perfect fit for Spurs the moment he walked through the door. In just his third game for the club after his loan from Juventus – which can become permanent for £26million – he scored and assisted in a 3-2 win over Manchester City.

In 18 Premier League games for Tottenham last season, the Swede scored five goals and assisted eight.

His influence, along with top performances from a number of the club’s players, helped them to finish fourth. It was the first time the north London outfit had returned to the top four in three seasons.

While an injury kept Kulusevski out for a chunk of this season, he’s still been impactful. Indeed, in 29 appearances, he’s managed two goals and eight assists.

After a couple of good campaigns, Spurs completing his signing on a permanent basis looked a formality. However, recent reports have suggested they won’t sign him, as they’ve not secured Champions League football.

While the £26million snare was optional, had Tottenham qualified for the European competition, they’d have had to sign the forward for around £30.3million.

That they’ve missed out so severely – currently eighth, 12 points behind fourth-placed Manchester United – they may have decided Kulusevksi is not worth it, given they don’t have to sign him.

Tottenham ‘trying to lower price’ for Kulusevski

However, it’s been suggested by one journalist that Spurs will in fact attempt to sign the forward.

“I don’t have any new information, but I think it’s all part of a very specific Tottenham strategy,” he told Tutto Juve.

“I think Spurs want to keep Kulusevski, but at the same time take advantage of Juve’s need for money.

“And so, they’re trying to lower the price. I think [in the] end, he will stay in London.”

It would not be a surprise if Daniel Levy, notorious for his hard negotiating style, was attempting to make Juventus believe he didn’t want to sign Kulusevski so that the signing was easier.

It remains to be seen if he’s able to drive the price of the star down, if that is his aim.

‘Mistake’ for Spurs to miss out on Kulusevski

The journalist added that Spurs would be making a mistake if they were not to sign Kulusevski, given how he has progressed with them.

“Yes [a mistake], in the most absolute way. The Swede showed last spring that he’s a good player in the Premier League and was decisive with his plays,” he said.

“Furthermore, he wouldn’t be such a costly signing for Tottenham.

“I think he is a much more mature player now than the one who went away. He has gained more experience in England, has had good and bad times and has been a bit erratic in terms of performances. He needs to find continuity in his plays.”

Indeed, Kulusevski has progressed well at Tottenham. He’s shown his talents, and that he’s still young suggests he could be a crucial player for his side for years to come, if they are to retain him and allow him to grow beyond this season.

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