Spurs encouraged to move for Jovetic

Tottenham have received a major boost in their pursuit of Fiorentina star Stevan Jovetic after they gave him the green light to leave.

Spurs boss Harry Redknapp is a massive fan of the 22-year-old, who is regarded as one of the most exciting talents in European football, and would love to seal a deal to bring him to White Hart Lane this summer. The Serie A outfit have previously insisted that the forward wasn't for sale, but that stance has now changed it would seem following comments by Fiorentina director Gianfranco Teotino. He has told the Italian media that Jovetic is trying to force through a move and his club won't be standing in his way. Teotino said: "Stevan is a Fiorentina player. But if he wants to leave, then let's make it clear that we do not want to hold anyone against their will. "If he believes in this team, then he can wear the club's shirt for a long time. If he does not, then he will not be missed." A switch to rivals Napoli has been ruled out by Teotino but Tottenham or any other potential suitor has been warned to meet their valuation if they want to sign the player. Spurs are reportedly looking to kick-off the bidding process with a £7m offer, but that falls some way short of the £18m price tag Fiorentina have put on Jovetic's head. However, don't rule out a player-plus-cash deal as the Italian side are known to be interested in Tottenham defender Sebastien Bassong, who finished last season on loan with Wolves.