Euro Paper Talk: Conte ready to strike as top Tottenham centre-back target stalls over new contract; Newcastle offered chance to sign Barcelona misfit
A top Tottenham centre-back target has seemingly opened the door to a summer move and possibly a January one as he continues to stall over a new contract in Italy, while Friday’s Euro Paper Talk claims Newcastle have been offered a Barcelona attacking misfit.
MILAN SKRINIAR LEAVES DOOR OPEN TO SPURS
Tottenham have been given a major lift in their long-standing chase for Inter Milan star Milan Skriniar after the current status on his new contract with the Serie A giants was revealed.
Spurs have been after the Slovakia international ever since Fabio Paratici’s arrival as sporting director. And that speculation only heightened when Skriniar’s former Inter boss Antonio Conte ended up in north London.
The 27-year-old will be out of contract in the summer, prompting Inter into talks to try and secure his future.
However, it’s understood the player is leaning towards not signing after the latest contract offer.
And Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews, states that the Nerazzurri will look to finally get the defender’s decisive answer in a meeting late next week.
Gazzetta adds that as the days pass by the likelihood of Skriniar signing becomes less and less. And that could prompt Premier League suitors into action once again.
Tottenham have been joined by Manchester United and Liverpool in the chase for the player, although Conte’s need for a world-class centre-back is currently greater than that of both his Premier League rivals.
But the real contender to Spurs for Skriniar’s signature is likely to be French giants PSG.
The Ligue 1 side have a firm interest in the player and are already believed to have spoken to his representatives.
Conte key to Skriniar capture
However, from Tottenham’s point of view they hope that Conte’s links with Skriniar will convince the player to head to London.
At the moment Inter are preparing for Saturday’s Serie A clash with Hellas Verona, while they will then head to Saudi Arabia to face Milan in the Supercoppa.
The Gazzetta report adds that Inter president Steven Zhang and the directors are likely to hold a face-to-face meeting with Skriniar’s agent not long after the team returns from Saudi Arabia, possibly next Friday.
However, the mere fact that the player keeps stalling is likely to prompt Spurs to either get a pre-contract agreement signed or maybe even try a cheeky bid in January to see if financially-strapped Inter will do business now.
TOON TEASED WITH WINGER DEAL
Barcelona forward Memphis Depay has been offered to Newcastle United in the January window. (Sport)
Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid have stepped up their interest in Depay as they look to replace Joao Felix and Matheus Cunha. (ESPN)
West Ham have been dealt a big blow with the news that Celtic defender Josip Juranovic is waiting for Manchester United to make contact with him. ( Tuttomercatoweb)
Manchester City are hoping to sign Monaco youngster Lisandru Olmeta, who will be available on a free transfer at the end of the season. (Foot Mercato)
Liverpool midfield target Ismael Bennacer has put pen to paper on a new contract with Milan, extending his stay with the club to June 2027. (Football Italia)
MORE EURO TRANSFER GOSSIP
Fiorentina winger Nicolas Gonzalez still hasn’t agreed personal terms with Leicester due to their desire to include a specific clause in the deal. (Football Italia)
Lionel Messi’s father, Jorge, has been spotted in Saudi Arabia for talks with Al-Hilal. (Various)
AC Milan and Real Madrid are ready to fight over young attacker Brahim Diaz, who is currently on loan at the San Siro from Real. (Diario AS)
Borussia Dortmund starlet Youssoufa Moukoko is expected to sign a new contract with the club. (Sky Germany)
Fulham head coach Marco Silva says reported links with Roma’s Rock Karsdorp and Rennes’ Hamari Traore are untrue. (Sky Sports)
England Under-21 goalkeeper Josef Bursik is set to join Club Brugge from Stoke City. (Various)