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Tottenham now reportedly want to sign £18m defender, Jose Mourinho has said he’s absolutely ‘fantastic’
Tottenham Hotspur have been linked with a surprise move for AS Roma defender Chris Smalling over the weekend – a player who Jose Mourinho has said is ‘fantastic’.
Spurs will be looking to bolster Antonio Conte’s squad in January as they aim to secure Champions League qualification once again this season.
The Italian was backed over the summer and the club did bring in a new centre-back, with Clement Lenglet making the switch from Barcelona on a season-long loan.
Lenglet has looked solid on the left-hand side of Conte’s back-three but they are seemingly targeting a shock move for Smalling.
Tottenham want to sign Smalling
reports that the Spurs boss has made the former Manchester United man one of his top targets for next summer.
The 33-year-old has certainly got his career back on track in Italy after leaving Old Trafford for an £18 million fee in 2020 ().
Smalling’s contract with Roma is set to expire in the summer after an impressive spell in the Italian capital.
Of course, he is currently playing under former Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho too. The pair have now worked together in Manchester and Italy.
And Mourinho has labelled Smalling as a ‘fantastic’ player after witnessing his improved displays in Serie A.
Mourinho on Smalling
“The situation with Chris is about finding a balance on his body that allows him to be playing regularly because after that his experience, his qualities are there, he is a fantastic player,” .
“In this moment, he is recognised here in Italy even in a funny way: ‘Smalldini’, which is [a mix] of Smalling and Maldini. He is doing amazing for us.”
There’s no denying that Smalling’s performances have improved massively in Italy but it would be an underwhelming signing for Spurs.
The Englishman turns 34 next year and is now coming towards the end of his career. He also struggled with the pace of Premier League football towards the end of his time at Old Trafford.
Tottenham need defensive reinforcements but it would be underwhelming for Spurs fans if they end up signing Smalling, especially after being linked with the likes of Josko Gvardiol and Piero Hincapie.