'I'm told...' - Transfer insider says 'special' Spurs talent's 'head turned', could leave soon

Tottenham Hotspur defender Japhet Tanganga will have his head turned by Paolo Maldini at AC Milan, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

In July, Sky Sporters journalist Dharmesh Sheth reported Spurs and Milan had held ‘positive talks’ over a loan move for the 23-year-old.

Sheth has since shared an update on this negotiation, revealing that the Serie A outfit are set to resume talks with Fabio Paratici, with the Lilywhites now favouring a permanent deal.

It is believed that Tanganga wants to make the move to the Italian club.

Jones expects Milan to maintain their interest in the defender over the coming weeks and suggests that Maldini’s role at the club could prove to be the deciding factor in getting the deal over the line.

Speaking with GiveMeSport, the transfer insider claimed:

“There’s a strong chance they keep pushing for Tanganga. I’m told that Maldini is really important with this one, so he’s going to have his head turned with that.”

Under manager Antonio Conte, the centre-back made six Premier League appearances last season before his campaign was brought to a sudden halt in February.

The 23-year-old suffered a serious knee injury which kept him out of action for 20 Tottenham games, meaning he failed to feature in another league game during the remainder of the season.

With the arrival of Clement Lenglet on a season-long loan at Hotspur Way, Tanganga, who was once dubbed a ‘really special’ player by Gary Neville, will, have fallen further down Conte’s pecking order.

Therefore, if the two sides can agree on a deal which suits both Paratici and Maldini, this would be a good move for the Tottenham youngster.

Source