After an awful start to the season, Tottenham Hotspur have started to hit their stride. One area where they struggled earlier in the campaign was defence, with summer signings Jan Paul van Hecke and Marcos Senesi torn to shreds in the opening weekend thrashing to Brentford.

However, things have become better defensively of late, with skipper Micky van de Ven developing a good chemistry with fellow Dutchman Van Hecke in central defence. Regardless of that, a fresh report from England claims that the Lilywhites are still hunting for more defensive recruits and have set their sights on a Serie A star.

Tottenham scouts impressed by AC Milan defender

According to CaughtOffside’s exclusive report via The Daily Briefing, Tottenham are among the main suitors for AC Milan defender Koni De Winter. Spurs have had scouts watching the Belgian international in action in recent games.

Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea, Leeds United, Newcastle United and Brentford are all monitoring the central defender’s progress. After two solid seasons with Genoa, Koni De Winter moved to AC Milan in the summer of 2025. He had an injury-hit, poor debut season at the San Siro, as AC Milan finished fifth and missed out on Champions League football.

Under new boss Ruben Amorim, Milan have looked a different entity altogether. De Winter has been a regular fixture in Amorim’s three-man backline, making 10 Serie A appearances thus far. The 24-year-old has impressed with his ball-playing ability, reading of the game, organisation skills and physicality.

“Koni De Winter is developing really well at Milan, and there’s a lot of Premier League interest,” one source told CaughtOffside.

“He’s a versatile talent, but he’s now really making a name for himself as one of Milan’s three central defenders.”

De Winter eyed by several Premier League clubs

This isn’t the first time De Winter has been linked to Tottenham. Last year, Spurs were reportedly keen on signing the central defender from Genoa. However, a move did not happen, and he eventually swapped Genoa for Milan.

Now, the Belgian international is back on the North London club’s radar. However, after reinforcing the backline only a few months ago, Tottenham aren’t in immediate need of a new central defender. With Van de Ven, Van Hecke, Senesi and Tosin Adarabioyo, Roberto De Zerbi has enough options in central defence. Plus, Ben Davies and Archie Gray can provide cover in case there is an unprecedented crisis.

While Spurs scouts continue keeping tabs on De Winter, signing him next year would make little sense unless there is an exit.