Inter team selection gives major nod to Tottenham hopes of Skriniar deal

Tottenham’s hopes of finalising a deal for Milan Skriniar before Monday’s transfer deadline appear to have suffered a final, fatal blow.

The Inter Milan centre-back has been Jose Mourinho’s top centre-back target for the majority of the summer.

However, the two clubs have been some way apart in their valuation of the Slovakian international defender.

 

Inter value the 25-year-old at around £50million, while Spurs chairman Daniel Levy was only willing to part with £30m.

Despite the chances of a deal looking unlikely, there have been reports that Tottenham were ready to launch another late bid for the player.

However, those hopes appear to have taken a massive dent judging by Inter’s team selection against Lazio on Sunday.

The commanding centre-back was named in the starting line-up for the game in Rome to leave Spurs disappointed.

Mourinho would have been hoping to see Skriniar left out of the game, in the hope of moving to north London.

But the fact that Inter have risked starting the player means a big-money deal appears highly unlikely, given the injury risk involved.

Spurs will likely focus their attention elsewhere now, with Chelsea stopper Antonio Rudiger conisdered another option.

The out-of-favour Blues defender has been tipped to move on before the window shuts, with West Ham also keen.

 

Spurs new boy makes exciting promise

Tottenham have ended their search for a new striker after announcing the arrival of Carlos Vinicius on loan from Benfica.

The 25-year-old Brazilian will complete the campaign with Spurs, who have a to-buy option worth around £40million.

 

Vinicius was joint-top goalscorer in Portugal’s Primeira Liga last season with 18 goals in 32 matches.

His signing means Tottenham finally have another forward on their books to ease the workload on Harry Kane, something they have been without since Fernando Llorente left the club last summer.

Speaking in a video on Tottenham’s Twitter account, Vinicius promised to help bring silverware back to Spurs.

“I wanted to say to everyone that together we’ll taste success,” he said.

“I’m here to join this family to share your joy and bring home silverware.” Read more…