Euro Paper Talk: Erik ten Hag plots masterstroke free transfer centre-back signing at Man Utd; Tottenham hope new Roma links can seal £35m forward deal

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag is plotting to sign a high-class Serie A centre-back on a free transfer next summer, while Friday’s Euro Paper Talk offers Tottenham fresh hope of striking a deal for a long-term forward target.

TEN HAG CHASING HIGH-PROFILE FREE TRANSFER

Erik ten Hag is reportedly looking to pull off a Manchester United masterstroke by landing Inter Milan centre-back Milan Skriniar on a free transfer next summer.

The Slovakia star’s current contract with the Nerazzurri expires at the end of the season and is free to talk to clubs outside of Italy from January and sign a pre-contract agreement.

And despite signing Lisandro Martinez for big money last summer, United are still in the hunt for another central defender as Ten Hag remains unconvinced by Hary Maguire.

Tottenham had looked the firm favourites to sign Skriniar, who played under Antonio Conte at Inter.

However, they struggled to agree a fee with the Serie A giants and ended up looking elsewhere for defensive recruits.

With that in mind, the Red Devils now look strong favourites to sign the 27-year-old. That’s assuming Skriniar opts not to extend his San Siro stay.

Skriniar is currently regarded as one of the best defenders in Serie A, so it seems crazy to think that Inter will not push the boat out to agree a renewal.

Inter could be tempted into January sale

The centre-back has played a pivotal role in Inter’s impressive Champions League form this season. The Italian side are currently ahead of Barcelona in the race to finish behind Bayern Munich in Group C.

Their Serie A campaign is not going quite so well, with Inter currently sitting seventh in the table.

Domestic struggles could mean Inter opt to cash in on Skriniar in January to raise funds to bolster their squad. That would, potentially, give United the chance to sign the player six months earlier for a bargain fee.

However, in all likelihood, Skriniar will look to run his contract down and keep his options open.

NEW ROMA CONNECTION GIVES TOTTENHAM ZANIOLO HOPE

Tottenham are continuing to push for a deal with Roma forward Nicolo Zaniolo after failing with their efforts last summer. Spurs are hoping that adding Roma’s Chief Revenue Officer, Ryan Norys, to their backroom staff as new Commercial Director will boost their hopes of sealing a deal. (Gazzetta dello Sport)

AC Milan are looking to sign Hakim Ziyech on a six-month loan deal starting in January. (Calciomercato)

Juventus have ‘tested the feasibility’ of signing Youri Tielemans from Leicester City next summer. (Tuttomercatoweb)

Liverpool have now made contact over signing Manchester United Frenkie de Jong from Barcelona in January. (ESPN)

Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves has welcomed Barcelona’s interest. (Record)

Newcastle United and Chelsea are interested in Villarreal striker Arnaut Danjuma. (CalcioMercatoWeb)

AND MORE EURO TRANSFER GOSSIP

AC Milan remain interested in signing Chelsea and Albania striker Armando Broja. (Calciomercato)

Premier League target Adrien Rabiot could be in line for a new contract extension with Juventus. (Tuttosport)

Arsenal wanted to sign Nigeria defender Calvin Bassey from Rangers last summer, before he moved to Ajax. (Own Goal Nigeria)

Villarreal star Alfonso Pedraza is the latest candidate to replace Alex Sandro at Juventus. Mundo Deportivo)

Juventus winger Angel Di Maria says the thought of retiring from football has not crossed his mind yet. (ESPN)

Talks over a contract extension for Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa and Napoli are advancing. (Nicolo Schira)

Inter Milan midfielder Kristjan Asllani is keen to move out on loan in January. (TuttoMercatoWeb)