Reported AC Milan target Youcef Atal has responded to speculation that he could be set to leave OGC Nice in the January window.
A report from Calciomercato.com last month claimed that Paolo Maldini, Zvonomir Boban and Ricky Massara will sign a new right-back in the January window given the recent struggles for consistency in that position.
Atal was mentioned as one of four targets in that report, along with Mehmet Zeki Celik of Lille, Djibril Sidibe of Monaco (on loan at Everton) and Serge Aurier of Spurs.
However, English outlet The Sun then reported that Atal could be a target for Jose Mourinho at Spurs as he looks to rebuild the side he has inherited from Mauricio Pochettino.
They also added that Chelsea are in the race for the 23-year-old, but that Nice could demand as much as £35million (roughly €40m) for their prized young asset.
During an interview with Canal FC, Atal hinted that he feels the time is right to move to a big club and compete for trophies.
“Yes, there were clubs that wanted me at that time. Last year it was too early. And even today, I’m focusing on another great season,” Atal said.
“Signing for a club like PSG possible? Yes, I can play in a big club, that’s part of my goals. I work for that. There is not a player who will tell you that he would not like to play in a big club.”
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