Tottenham Hotspur and AC Milan are reportedly set for crunch talks over the potential transfer of Japhet Tanganga in January.
According to Calciomercato, Tottenham Hotspur are set for a meeting with AC Milan over the future of Japhet Tanganga. The 22-year-old defender has been identified as one of the ideal candidates to help Milan manage their injury crisis during the second half of the campaign. The two parties are now set for crunch talks as they discuss the possibility of Tanganga’s potential move to San Siro.
It is no secret that AC Milan are in the market for a new centre-back in January. Tipped as the main competition of Inter Milan for the Scudetto, their season has been rocked by the injury of Simon Kjaer in early December. And the Serie A giants have recently lost Fikayo Tomori to a knock as well, leaving Stefano Pioli devoid of reliable options at the heart of the backline.
Over the past few weeks, Milan have been linked with a move for various defenders across Europe. Manchester United’s Eric Bailly has also been mooted as an option, although the Rossoneri appear to have cooled their interest in the Ivorian. They are now focusing on a deal to sign Tanganga, who is not favoured by new Tottenham coach Antonio Conte.
The 22-year-old has earned only four starts in the league under the Italian tactician. He has fallen behind Eric Dier, Davinson Sanchez and Ben Davies in the pecking order.
Cristian Romero’s impending return could further restrict his game-time at Tottenham, thus opening the avenue for him to depart North London in January.
Tottenham Hotspur are open to sanctioning the sale of Tanganga this month, although one would expect them to secure a proper replacement. They have already been linked with a move for various centre-backs in January, including Borussia Monchengladbach’s wantaway star Matthias Ginter.
The addition of a new defender could certainly lead to the departure of Tanganga, who will be hoping to replicate the success of his fellow countryman Tomori at San Siro. However, even if Tottenham decide to sanction the exit of the 22-year-old, the Rossoneri are could face stiff competition from Juventus in the race to sign Tanganga in January, and with time running out, the Serie A giants must act swiftly.