Boost for Tottenham as European giants identify replacement for key transfer target | OneFootball

Inter Milan identify Chris Smalling to replace Tottenham target Milan Skriniar

According to Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t Daily Mail), Inter Milan have identified Manchester United’s Chris Smalling as a potential replacement for Tottenham Hotspur target Milan Skriniar.

The 25-year-old Slovakian international has been on the radars of Tottenham for quite some time now. However, things have really escalated on this front over the past week or so. Earlier in the week, Tottenham’s Technical Director Steve Hitchen was in Milan to speak to the player’s agent about the club’s project.

This was followed by reports of a bid wherein Spurs had offered Juan Foyth in a player-plus-cash deal to Inter Milan. The Nerazzurri rejected that proposal. But, they seem to be already preparing for life without Skriniar, with replacements being drawn up. (h/t Daily Mail)

As per the report, the Serie A heavyweights are looking to raid Jose Mourinho’s former club, Manchester United, for the signing of Chris Smalling in order to replace Skriniar.

This ought to bode well for Tottenham, even though the clubs are yet to agree on a transfer fee. The fact that they are already looking at replacements means their mind about the sale is pretty much made up at this point.

Tottenham need defensive reinforcements this summer following a disappointing performance from the backline last season. The full-back slots have been bolstered by the signings of Matt Doherty and Sergio Reguilon. However, a new centre-back remains a necessity, making Skriniar a great target.

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It is being claimed that the 25-year-old is also keen on joining Tottenham in order to work with Mourinho. There are less than ten days left for the transfer window to close. So, we can expect more urgency from the club to push the deal over the line.