"Contact planned...": Italian journo drops transfer update, it's a big boost for Spurs - opinion

Gianluigi Longari has dropped an update on the future of Tottenham defender Japhet Tanganga.

In a recent post on Twitter, the Italian journalist revealed that, following reports of AC Milan’s interest in the 23-year-old centre-back, the Serie A champions are now planning fresh talks with Fabio Paratici and his Spurs transfer team regarding a deal for the former England under-21 international next week.

Further reports have claimed that, with further incomings in north London now dependent on player departures, Antonio Conte would be willing to part with the academy graduate this summer for an offer in the region of €12m (£10m).

In his tweet (translated from Italian), Longari said: “New contact planned for next week between Milan and Tottenham to understand the possible costs of Tanganga. Operation is possible on loan with redemption. The player is also a survey of Valencia.”

It is undeniable that Tanganga is an exceptionally talented young footballer. However, considering just how little the 23-year-old featured under Conte last season, and with further summer signings depending upon the sale of current Spurs players, Longari’s suggestion that Milan are set to step up their interest in the defender next week will come as a big boost to Fabio Paratici and Tottenham.

Indeed, following the 52-year-old’s appointment as Nuno Espirito Santo’s successor in the Tottenham dugout last November, the £10.8m-rated talent made just 11 appearances under the Italian, with only six of those coming in the Premier League.

It is true that a knee injury ruled the £23k-per-week centre-back – who can also operate at right-back – out of action for most of the 2021/22 campaign, but following the summer arrivals of Clement Lenglet and Djed