Talks intensify as Tottenham edge nearer huge deal for world-class star
Tottenham are reportedly nearing the impressive signing of Milan Skriniar after holding talks with Inter Milan.
The Slovakian has established himself as one of the world’s leading centre-halves during his time at the San Siro. But he appears to have lost his way a little under Antonio Conte after dropping down the pecking order.
Skriniar has been out of form and watched from the sidelines on Wednesday as Inter defeated Getafe in the Europa League.
From being an ‘unsaleable’ asset last year, Inter are now reportedly ready to listen to offers for Skriniar.
Manchester United and Manchester City are also believed to have an interest in the 25-year-old, who is under contract until 2023.
Tuttosport claimed recently that United had ‘tabled a €65m (£58m) offer’ for the player. That has matched the bid on the table from City.
However, the Italian paper believes it is Spurs who are most likely to sign Skriniar.
They claim Inter are ‘open minded’ to the idea of a player exchange deal – and Inter have Tanguy Ndombele in their sights.
Tottenham’s club-record signing, who arrived from Lyon last summer, has failed to find his best form this season.
After struggling with continued fitness problems, relations with boss Jose Mourinho hit breaking point in March. After a 1-1 draw with Burnley, Mourinho insisted there were only so many chances for the Frenchman to prove himself.
However, Mourinho has since backed Ndombele to come good as he continues to acclimatise to his new culture.
Despite his struggles, that has not stopped some of Europe’s big boys being linked with a move.
Barcelona were mentioned earlier in the summer, while PSG are also said to be keen.
But Inter have been the most persistent and earlier this summer tried to offer Marcelo Brozovic in exchange.
While that deal did not appeal to Tottenham, it’s reported a straight swap for Skriniar would.
Mourinho is in the market for a new centre-half to succeed Jan Vertonghen. Toby Alderweireld is another long-serving star who could soon also leave.
Spurs were forced to play Eric Dier in the heart of defence in the closing weeks of the season. But the versatile star is not thought to be a long-term option there.
That’s why Tuttosport are adamant a deal for Skriniar would appeal to Spurs. They report that while the deal remains some way from conclusion, talks have been held and the deal may well appeal to all parties.
Skrtel discusses Skriniar future
Former Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel, meanwhile, has advised his countryman to stick it out at Inter.
Skrtel told SempreInter: “There are moments in life of every player where things go really well, but there are also moments where things don’t go as planned. When this happens it is important for a player to react. Skriniar is going through something similar to this at Inter.
“In recent games he has lost his role as a starter and there is more and more talk about the fact that he could leave the club. (But) he is still young and he should remain strong and fight for his recovery.
“Although there is the interest of English and Spanish clubs, the best solution for him would be to stay at Inter, where he has built a great name for himself.
“I know Milan and I think he will fight for his place in the team and return in the new season. Milan must remain calm and work even more in training to convince Conte to put him in the line-up. Nobody doubts his qualities.”
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