Antonio Conte has just thrown a curveball into Japhet Tanganga’s plans, as he now wants to keep the AC Milan target at Tottenham Hotspur beyond the January transfer window.
That’s according to Sport Mediaset, who note the Rossoneri have begun to cool their chase of the defender. The Serie A outfit have explored signing Tanganga this month as they seek urgent centre-back reinforcements. But Conte could deny Stefano Pioli a move this month.
Milan must improve their backline during the winter sales after a knee injury ended Simon Kjaer’s season in December. But the San Siro side’s desire to sign Sven Botman hit a dead end, as LOSC Lille refuse to part with the Dutchman while still in the Champions League.
Financial limitations have also played a key factor in which targets the Rossoneri hierarchy can explore this month. So, the second-place Serie A side have prioritised loan deals, which may lead to Eric Bailly. Manchester United are now open to the Ivorian leaving temporarily.
But Tottenham boss Conte is currently unwilling to grant Tanganga a temporary transfer to join AC Milan in January. Instead, he hopes the 22-year-old stays in north London past the sales shutting down. Thus, the Rossoneri have cooled their interest to explore alternatives.
Conte throws curveball into Tanganga’s plans amid AC Milan transfer interest
Conte wanting Tanganga to stay at Tottenham amid AC Milan’s transfer interest may throw a curveball into the defender’s plans. Calciomercato reported this week the Spurs product is considering his immediate future in north London amid a lack of games.
AC Sporting Director Frederic Massara and Technical Director Paolo Maldini are big fans of Tanganga and could offer more minutes at Milan, with Tottenham Managing Director Fabio Paratici asking to delay talks to next week while setting a €25m (£21m) price for a transfer.
Tanganga – who Gary Neville has called ‘really special’ – has played 18 times this season in all competitions so far. But he has only made 10 Premier League outings, while starting just nine for 683-minutes. Only Joe Rodon (78) has played fewer among Spurs’ centre-halves.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
