Newcastle United and AC Milan set for second transfer battle for £20m-rated star

Newcastle United and AC Milan are reportedly set to go head-to-head once again as they look to secure a deal for Tottenham Hotspur defender Japhet Tanganga.

Just weeks after the Magpies saw off strong competition from the Serie A giants to sign long-term target Sven Botman, the two sides are both now said to be showing an interest in Tanganga as he looks increasingly likely to leave North London.

The Rossoneri are keen to add the 23-year-old to their current squad after being impressed with his versatility but face competition from the likes of Everton, Brentford and Bournemouth.

However, Italian outlet TuttoMercatoWeb have now suggested Newcastle have made a loan bid for the £20million-rated defender and the offer is ‘very welcome’ to Spurs.

Tanganga came through the Spurs academy and made his Premier League debut in a 1-0 defeat at Liverpool in January 2020 after making a senior bow in a Carabao Cup tie at Colchester United four months earlier.

The Hackney-born defender has made 43 appearances in all competitions but now seems likely to be plying his trade elsewhere during the upcoming season as Antonio Conte continues to strengthen his defensive ranks.

The former Inter and Chelsea manager has already signed Barcelona centre-back Clement Lenglet on loan and is said to maintain an interest in Villarreal and Spain defender Pau Torres.

A knee injury limited Tanganga’s opportunities to impress Conte last season and he has spoken of his determination to make an impression on the Italian as soon as possible.

Speaking to The Mail, he said: “My focus is that I'm just happy to be back, being injury free, helping the team as much as I can and be ready when I'm called upon. There was a period when Cristian Romero was injured and the manager called on me to play in that position.

“I'm just grateful to play as many games as possible and I'm just happy to play whenever the manager wants me to.

“That's the position he gives me the most information about, and tells me what to do.

“I can play in the right wing-back role if needed but I think he sees me in those roles either side of the middle defender in the back three.”