Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini is prepared to see Ruslan Malinoskyi sold to Tottenham.

The Ukraine midfielder has been linked with Spurs in a deal reportedly worth around £17million or possibly including Sergio Reguilon in an exchange.

Speaking on Saturday, Gasperini outlined the need for his club to bring in players that have “more suitable characteristics" as he expessed his dissatisfaction over Malinoskyi's six-goal tally in Serie A last season.

The wife of the 29-year-old has seemed to confirm his imminent exit from the club in an Instagram post that Gasperini refused to comment on.

“I already have difficulties with the players... I just can't do it!" he joked about the social media post.

“[Malinovskyi] has been extraordinary for us, then over the years there has always been Ilicic, we never thought of finding player with those characteristics.

“He has been great at adapting, he has done some very good things. But it's right for Atalanta to look for a player who scores more than six goals.

“He has adapted very well, but it's right that in the market the club looks for players with characteristics more suitable for the game."