Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly entered discussions with AC Milan regarding a move for Japhet Tanganga, according to Calciomercato.

The lowdown: Stalling talent

Having burst onto the scene for Spurs under Jose Mourinho, the England youth international has endured a difficult time with injuries and has duly struggled to develop fully as a first-team operator.

The 23-year-old has still amassed 43 senior outings for the Lilywhites, adding to a successful youth spell which saw the powerful defender amass 78 appearances across the age group levels.

Amidst previously reported interest from Napoli, Everton and Southampton, one European superpower is seemingly moving closer to signing Tanganga.

The latest: Talks underway

As per Calciomercato, Tottenham and AC Milan 'began to discuss' a deal for the England under-21 starlet this week.

It's claimed that the two clubs are in talks over a loan deal for Tanganga, with officials at the San Siro 'evaluating' the Spurs' ace to strengthen their defensive department.

Under contract in north London until 2025 (Transfermarkt), the report makes no mention of any obligation to buy the youngster, who was hailed as 'really special' by Gary Neville for a 6.90 Sofascore-rated performance containing four successful duels, two clearances and one block against Manchester City at the start of last season.

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The verdict: Matches needed

Albeit badly hampered by injury, Tanganga made just 19 appearances across all competitions for Tottenham last season , completing 90 minutes on just 11 occasions.

That lack of game-time will only restrict the development of a prodigiously talented defender, who is equally adept as a right-back and a central defender whilst also being able to cover at left full-back.

Despite that versatility, it seems unlikely that Antonio Conte will regularly call upon the Londoner, with Spurs boasting defenders of the ilk of Eric Dier, Davinson Sanchez, Ben Davies and Cristian Romero in situ, and the possibility of more incoming.

Therefore, spending time at an elite-level club such as the Serie A champions, in a league which is renowned for establishing top-quality defenders and with Champions League exposure on offer, would make plenty of sense for all parties at this stage.