As the January transfer window fast approaches, Tottenham Hotspur will be prepared to back Roberto De Zerbi in every way possible.

Spurs’ three-game winning run came to an end last weekend as they lost 1-0 to Leeds United. Roberto De Zerbi was unhappy with his team’s second-half display, admitting Tottenham “deserved to lose”. The forwards once again misfired, with Omar Marmoush and Dominic Solanke getting neutralised by Leeds United’s three-man backline.

The Lilywhites actually defended well bar Noah Okafor’s goal. De Zerbi has a plethora of options to select from after revamping their defence in the summer. Micky van de Ven, Jan Paul van Hecke, Tosin Adarabioyo and Marcos Senesi are natural centre-backs, while Ben Davies and Archie Gray can also fill in when required. Yet, the North Londoners have been linked with more central defenders.

Tottenham plot move for AC Milan defender

According to a report from TEAMtalk, Tottenham are among several Premier League clubs interested in signing AC Milan defender Koni De Winter. Spurs, Newcastle United, Leeds United and Brentford are among those tracking the Belgium international closely, with scouts having watched him in recent weeks.

After an injury-ravaged debut season at San Siro, Koni De Winter has managed to showcase his talent regularly this term. He has become a key component in new boss Ruben Amorim’s defence, catching the eye of clubs with his passing, physicality, reading of the game and leadership skills. He was a part of the AC Milan side that beat Genoa 2-1 at the weekend and retained their third spot in the Serie A table.

De Winter has been one of Milan’s most consistent performers this season, which may explain why Tottenham and many Premier League rivals have been monitoring him in recent weeks. However, the report adds that the 24-year-old is not desperate to leave Milan in January, having joined ahead of last season, but he is expected to be ‘one to watch in the upcoming transfer windows’.

From Tottenham’s perspective, De Zerbi is well-stocked in central defence, and there is no immediate requirement for further reinforcements. Instead, the Italian must push the board to sign a striker during the winter transfer window to solve his team’s goalscoring woes.