Latest developments
- Tottenham Hotspur want to sign Milan Skriniar from Paris Saint-Germain.
- A whole host of clubs are said to be interested in the centre-back.
- Injury to Radu Dragusin yesterday heightened Spurs' need for cover.
Whisper+ analysis
Authenticity (3/5): Long-term interest from Spurs
Tottenham are in desperate need for defenders and have turned to PSG's Milan Skriniar, as Radu Dragusin went off injured against Nottingham Forest yesterday, leaving them with no fit centre-backs.
This is being reported by teamtalk.com, who claim Spurs have been interested in the Slovakian for a number of years.
Value (3/5): PSG listening to offers
Skriniar has fallen down the pecking order in Paris, making just five Ligue 1 appearances this season, and the PSG board are willing to listen to offers of £29 million.
He may have a market value of less than half that, but the 29-year-old former Inter man is a highly experienced captain of his country, making that a reasonable price.
Suitability (5/5): Anyone will do
With Dragusin joining Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero and Ben Davies on the treatment table, Spurs' criteria in January will be anyone who can play centre-back!
Skriniar has a reputation for tough defending, adding plenty of much-needed steel to Tottenham's back line.
Upgrade? (3/5): Changes likely incoming
When the Spurs defenders are all fit again, Skriniar is perhaps unlikely to break apart the current first-choice pairing of Romero and van de Ven.
However, with Romero courting interest from the likes of Real Madrid, he could well have a place in the Spurs starting XI long-term.
Logic (2/5): Spurs face big battle
According to reports, Spurs are one of 11 teams tracking Skriniar, including Newcastle, Arsenal and Aston Villa. They need players in quickly to aid their injury crisis and cannot afford to get caught up in lengthy bidding wars.
For Skriniar, he will want his future sorted if he isn't going to fight for his place at PSG, and Spurs don't seem to be the most attractive club on his list of suitors.
Whisper+ verdict: 16/25
He's the kind of player Spurs need and one they seem to like, but they might have to look elsewhere to get centre-backs through the door quickly.
