'The boy is pushing' – Tottenham sent clear message as Thomas Frank eyes £77m striker

New Tottenham boss Thomas Frank might need to shift his focus elsewhere in his search for striker reinforcements, with Randal Kolo Muani appearing increasingly likely to return to Juventus.

The French forward's future has taken a fresh twist after Juve's general manager Damien Comolli dropped hints about a potential permanent move to Turin this summer. Paris Saint-Germain's Kolo Muani spent the latter half of last season on loan with the Old Lady, despite Spurs showing keen interest.

And Foot Mercato (via the Daily Express) has reported the north London club had rekindled their pursuit of his services. The 26-year-old rediscovered his scoring touch during his stint in Italy, bagging 10 goals across 22 appearances in all competitions.

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The 2022 World Cup finalist made the switch to PSG from Eintracht Frankfurt two years ago in a transfer worth an initial £65million, plus another £12m in add-ons. Yet he struggled to replicate his prior impressive form for the Parisians, managing just 11 goals in 54 outings for the Ligue 1 giants.

Comolli, who took up his role in Turin this summer following a five-year spell at Toulouse, seems optimistic about bringing the player back on permanent terms. This comes despite attention from Chelsea, who are also seeking attacking additions.

When pressed about the prospect of signing Kolo Muani, who was courted by Tottenham in 2022 before choosing PSG, Comolli acknowledged the Bianconeri's "relations with PSG are excellent" before offering a nine-word verdict that could dash Spurs' hopes.

"The boy is pushing for a return to Juve," he told Sky Sport Italia on Thursday, strongly hinting the player's preference is indeed a return to Serie A. "But we still have to find an agreement."

Rumours suggest the Italian heavyweights would be open to another loan deal, with an obligation to purchase the player. Spurs seem at risk of losing ground in the discussion given Kolo Muani's previous ties to the Old Lady.

However, Tottenham could play a different part in the transfer saga should Dusan Vlahovic leave Juve as anticipated this summer. The Serb has less than 12 months left on his contract and isn't expected to agree an extension.

This could appeal to Frank as a more budget-friendly addition to his team. Vlahovic moved to Juventus from Fiorentina in January 2022 for an initial £60m, but he'd be expected to move for a significantly smaller fee this summer.

Vlahovic, 25, has netted 58 goals and provided 14 assists in 145 appearances for the Bianconeri. And after Jonathan David joined the club on a free this summer, Comolli has admitted the Serb can depart for the right price.

"He can leave if a suitable offer comes in," added the Juve chief. "But at the moment, it has not arrived."

Frank already has a strong forward line-up with Dominic Solanke, Richarlison and Mathys Tel at his disposal. However, he finds himself at a key juncture in his chase for another French asset.