Report: Tottenham want 24-year-old Newcastle target again

By Jordan Harris

Tottenham Hotspur have reignited their interest in signing Nikola Milenkovic, with the Sunday Mirror (16/1; page 73) reporting that Spurs are battling Newcastle United for the centre-back.

Tottenham fans are still awaiting their first signing of the January transfer window. Of course, there was much anticipation ahead of their first window under Antonio Conte.

A number of names are on the radar. And one of the areas Conte is keen to strengthen is the heart of the defence.

Tottenham fans are yet to see the best of Cristian Romero. And it would be little surprise if Conte was keen to secure an upgrade on the likes of Davinson Sanchez and Japhet Tanganga.

The Sunday Mirror (16/1; page 73) reports that the player Conte wants at Tottenham is Milenkovic. It is suggested that Spurs are rivalling Newcastle for the Serbian.

The Mirror notes that Tottenham were in talks with the Fiorentina star in the summer. However, they will have to part with a huge sum to bring him to North London. I Viola want £37.5 million for the 24-year-old.

Milenkovic a smart target, but Tottenham surely unlikely to meet asking price

Fiorentina have used a back four this season. However, Milenkovic has plenty of experience in a back three, largely playing on the left of the trio last season.

It is hard to see Tottenham landing Milenkovic in this window. Fiorentina have shown that they are prepared to dig their heels in to keep their key men, having, so far, held onto Dusan Vlahovic.

Their asking price would make Milenkovic Tottenham’s third most expensive signing ever (via Transfermarkt). And with Newcastle in the running, Fiorentina will be optimistic that they could net a large fee this month.

Tottenham have signed Romero on an initial loan. And reports this week suggested that they were keen on doing something similar with Adama Traore.

So perhaps that may represent the key for Fabio Paratici if Spurs are unwilling to spend nearly £40 million this month.