According to a report by Calciomercato (via Sport Witness), AC Milan’s Frederic Massara and Paolo Maldini held talks with Japhet Tanganga’s representatives two weeks ago, ahead of a proposed ‘loan with a right of redemption’ transfer.
The Lowdown: Lack of first-team football
Since the arrival of Antonio Conte at N17, a variety of formulations have been utilised for Spurs’ backline. This has made it difficult for players to secure themselves a guaranteed position in the starting 11. This has been the case for Tanganga, who has made just four appearances in the Premier League under the Italian boss, having been used as a central defender and at right-back.
In the League Cup, Tanganga has averaged the most amount of blocks made per game in the squad, earning himself a place in the starting lineup for last week's clash with Chelsea in the EFL Cup semi-final.
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However, he struggled against the Blues, with some reports calling his display a 'calamity', and it is perhaps no surprise to see the player linked with a move away in the January window.
The Latest: Milan hold talks with Tanganga
According to a report by Calciomercato (as relayed by Sport Witness), Milan chiefs Massara and Maldini held talks with Tanganga’s representatives two weeks ago, ahead of a proposed transfer to the Serie A side.
Milan are said to be looking for a ‘loan with a right of redemption’, which presumably would entail the permanent move going through in the summer.
However, it is clear that if a deal were to be agreed, Tottenham would prefer a permanent transfer during the January window.
It is reported that Spurs value the defender at £16.7 million, which Milan believes to be too high a fee. Therefore, talks have stagnated, but it is believed that a deal could come to life towards the end of the window.
The Verdict: A good move for the youngster
With guaranteed game-time an uncertainty at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, a move away in search of regular first-team football could be the best course of action for Tanganga.
The central defender could follow in the footsteps of Fikayo Tomori, who joined Milan in a deal worth £25 million. Since arriving in the Serie A, Tomori has been impressive, playing his way back into Gareth Southgate's England squad.
Tanganga has also received similar praise, from both fans and professionals, with Gary Neville having asserted that he is a ‘really special’ player, and former manager Jose Mourinho regularly describing some of his performances as ‘amazing’.
Therefore, this suggests a move abroad could prove to be the best option for the youngster’s long-term playing career.