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Photo by BEN STANSALL / AFP via Getty Images
Inter star Milan Skriniar remains José Mourinho’s number one defensive target at Tottenham Hotspur despite the Serie A giants demanding £ 55m, ESPN reported.
With nine conceded in ten games so far, the top-ranking Spurs are the only Premier League club to have let in less than one goal per game on average this season.
Toby Alderweireld is back at his belligerent prime after showing signs of serious decline during Mourinho’s first months in North London, while Eric Dier has been a revelation since moving from midfield to defense.
But with the erratic Davinson Sánchez and inexperienced Joe Rodon in reserve, Mourinho may see the January window as the ideal opportunity to make a potentially title-winning move.
However, it remains to be seen whether President Daniel Levy agrees.
Mourinho had convinced Skriniar to trade Milan for the English capital during the summer (Di Marzio). But Levy’s reluctance to meet Inter’s £ 55m price tag meant that a deal could not be reached before the October (Calciomercato) deadline.
ESPN suggests that Europa League runner-up Antonio Conte will ask for £ 55 million if Tottenham calls again in January, and the Slovakia international remains Mourinho’s priority.
Skriniar would certainly be a statement signing from a Tottenham team that has become a true contender for the Premier League title with the former Chelsea and Manchester United manager.
With the Spurs looking to balance national and continental competitions, they surely cannot have too many top-tier talents.
“When a coach like José says he’s looking for a player like me or someone else, it’s always good,” Skriniar told ESPN after Mourinho tried to attract him to Manchester United.
“José is one of the most famous, best and greatest coaches in the world.”
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