Tottenham may not complete Dejan Kulusevski deal after journalist's reveal - pundit
Frank McAvennie has suggested Tottenham may not take up Dejan Kulsevski's option to buy.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former West Ham striker said Antonio Conte won't authorise a permanent deal unless he can be certain Kulusevski will be able to return to his best after injury.
As quoted by football.london (4 November) the Italian confirmed Kulusevski returned to Spurs training this week after sustaining a hamstring injury whilst on international duty with Sweden.
The 22-year-old joined the Lilywhites in January on an 18-monh loan that includes an option to buy.
According to journalist Fabrizio Romano (28 September), Spurs will have an obligation to buy if the Sweden international makes 20 appearances and the team secure a top four finish.
If the conditions are not met, the London club will still have the option to buy.
But McAvennie claimed Conte might not be happy to sign off on Kulusevski's permanent deal.
"It depends how bad his injury is," he told Football Insider.
"He was doing alright and now he has got an injury. No club is going to give you a contract if you might not come back the same player. I feel for him because by all accounts he was quite happy when he was playing.
"I know Conte has his ways but he is still a top manager and one that I would like to play for. He demands the highest standards which is great. Conte won’t authorise a permanent deal if he is not fit.
"So it might be a blow for him to go back to his parent club but no club is going to pay money because anything can happen. He could break down again. Conte will know what to do and will give the thumbs up or down."