Inter Milan are reportedly looking to strike a deal for Barcelona defender Clement Lenglet, despite Tottenham Hotspur nearing an agreement to sign the 27-year-old on a permanent basis.

Lenglet joined Tottenham in the summer on a season-long loan deal in an attempt to ease the Lilywhites’ defensive frailties.

Clement Lenglet

(Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)

In a difficult season for the entire Tottenham squad, Lenglet has underwhelmed and failed to showcase the kind of abilities to get the fans excited about the prospect of him remaining at the club long term.

The Frenchman has made 30 appearances in all competitions, scoring one goal and contributing two assists (Transfermarkt).

Barcelona are apparently keen for Tottenham to sign Lenglet in the summer (Marca – as relayed by Sport Witness). It is thought Lenglet himself is happy to stay in England too (CalcioMercato).

Sport previously reported that Tottenham were working on a deal to secure the services of Lenglet on a permanent basis.

Now, the publication suggests Spurs may face a challenge from Italian giants Inter Milan as they are looking to bolster their defence.

The latest from Sport claims Inter have made an enquiry to Barcelona about the availability of a variety of different centre-backs, including Lenglet, ahead of a potential transfer in the summer.

Apparently, Inter want to sign two defenders at the end of the season, but do not have a big transfer budget to play with. The report hints Lenglet could be available for around £12 million.

However, it seems Spurs are in pole position to get the deal done, and Inter may be left empty-handed in their pursuit of Lenglet.

Spurs Web Opinion

I really don’t think we should be signing Lenglet permanently, especially given we don’t have a permanent manager yet.

If we bring in a new coach and they decide they want Lenglet then fair enough, but once again it sounds like we are saddling our future manager with baggage they don’t need.

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