Sources: Tottenham blown out of the water in Milan Skriniar chase as rivals agree deal
Tottenham have been blown out of the water in their pursuit of Milan Skriniar as the Inter Milan defender puts the finishing touches on a pre-contract agreement with Paris Saint-Germain, sources have told Football Insider.
It is understood that the French giants have agreed a lucrative deal with the 28-year-old which, sources say, “far outstrips” any Spurs offer.
Skriniar’s move is yet to be confirmed by PSG but he has been removed as captain of Inter after running down his contract at San Siro in order to move for free this summer.
The Ligue 1 giants tried to bring the Slovakia international to Parc de Princes in January but could not reach an agreement with the Nerazzurri.
Tottenham had been linked with Skriniar in the build-up to the winter window and it is understood that transfer negotiator Fabio Paratici tested the water over a potential deal.
The centre-back has been a key man for Inter and was the bedrock of Antonio Conte’s side when they won the Scudetto in the 2020-21 campaign.
Spurs could now turn attention to signing Netherlands international Stefan de Vrij, who is also out of contract at Conte’s former club at the end of this season.
Football Insider revealed in December that the Lilywhites and Atletico Madrid were the frontrunners to sign the 31-year-old centre-back – who has been in contact with Conte about a possible move.
Tottenham have struggled defensively this season despite their three-man rearguard and slumped to a 4-1 defeat away at Leicester on Saturday (11 February) in the absence of key man Cristian Romero.
Sources told this site on Sunday (12 February) that Spurs are unlikely to match Clement Lenglet’s £204,000-a-week Barcelona wage in order to get him on a permanent deal this summer.
The north Londoners sit fifth in the Premier League – two points adrift of fourth-place Newcastle.
Conte’s side face a two-legged Champions League tie against AC Milan this month.
In other news, Football Insider updates as Tottenham scout “next Jack Grealish” with talent spotters delivering rave reviews.