Tottenham Hotspur have 'been in contact' to sign Inter Milan star Milan Skriniar in recent weeks, according to reports.
The Lowdown: Paratici plans emerge...
The Lilywhites, after securing a previously unlikely Premier League top-four finish last campaign, gave manager Antonio Conte their backing in the summer transfer market.
Club owners ENIC green-lit a £150 million equity increase to bolster Conte's squad with Spurs completing eight major new signings - including a permanent deal for Cristian Romero.
Ivan Perisic, Fraser Forster, Yves Bissouma, Richarlison, Clement Lenglet, Djed Spence and Destiny Udogie all put pen to paper on moves to north London with the latter of the seven remaining on loan at Udinese for this campaign.
However, a great opportunity has emerged to make another potential signing next year as Nerazzurri colossus Skriniar runs down his current Inter deal.
The Latest: Spurs make Skriniar contact...
Indeed, the north Londoners are now one of a host of clubs taking real interest in the 27-year-old who could leave Inter for nothing next summer.
Sharing the news for 90min and on Twitter, journalist Graeme Bailey calls Skriniar 'one of Europe's top central defenders' and reveals Tottenham's admiration for the player.
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He claims that Conte's side have 'been in contact' with the player's entourage 'in recent weeks' as Paratici seemingly eyes a real coup for free.
The Verdict: Make the move...
Valued at around £57 million by Transfermarkt, landing him for nothing in 2023 would come as, arguably, Paratici's best move since being appointed chief director.
Former West Ham goalkeeper Shaka Hislop is certainly in agreement that Skriniar would be an upgrade on Conte's current defensive crop, calling him a player who would make 'absolutely perfect' sense from the Italian's perspective.
Spurs need world-class additions for their back three if they're going to reach the levels of a side like Man City and Skriniar seems to fit the bill.