Conte: Kulusevski ‘100% a Tottenham player’

Antonio Conte says Dejan Kulusevski is ‘100% a Tottenham player’ after the midfielder’s impressive loan spell at the club.

Spurs signed Kulusevski on an initial loan deal from Juventus in January and the 22-year-old has since made an immediate impact, scoring three goals and providing eight assists in just 11 league starts.

The Sweden international’s eight assists are the joint-most in the Spurs squad despite his mid-season arrival and Conte was asked whether the loanee would be remaining in North London next season.

Speaking ahead of the club’s Premier League clash with Liverpool this weekend, the Italian suggested a permanent deal would be completed at the end of the campaign.

“He is on loan [for now] but it is like a deal,” said Conte at his pre-match press conference. “He is a Tottenham player 100% in every aspect, not officially but he is 100% a Tottenham player.”

Conte was asked whether he had handed the club’s board a list of transfer targets for the summer, but insisted his focus remains on the current campaign.

Spurs are fifth in the Premier League and chasing Champions League qualification, a situation which could impact their summer business.

“No, no, we are totally focused on this season,” Conte said on transfer plans.

“Always because I repeat we are finishing this season with only 15 players. So it’s not convenient right now to give them a list because it would be a big one.”

Read – Conte calls for Spurs to play without fear at Liverpool