90min

Tottenham Snub Milan Bid for Serge Aurier, Zlatan Ibrahimovic Nears New Deal

By Matt O'Connor-Simpson

Aurier could be off to join Zlatan in Milan
Aurier could be off to join Zlatan in Milan / Michael Regan/Getty Images
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Tottenham have rejected AC Milan's opening bid for erratic defender Serge Aurier.

Spurs are currently in the market for a new right-back with a £15m move for Wolves' Matt Doherty edging closer.

Aurier has been the target of criticism in the past
Aurier has been the target of criticism in the past / Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images

Although this may open the door for Aurier's departure, Tottenham were not tempted by Milan's opening offer for the 27-year-old.

According to Sky Sports the Rossoneri's first bid was swiftly rejected with the clubs remaining some way apart in their valuations of the Ivory Coast international. Bayer Leverkusen are also believed to be eyeing up a move for Aurier, who is contracted until 2022.

Aurier signed for the Lilywhites for £23m from Paris Saint-Germain back in August 2017, and has gone on to make 83 appearances for the club in all competitions. Towards the beginning of last season he found himself out of favour with Mauricio Pochettino omitting him for the starting XI.

Since the Argentine was replaced by José Mourinho, he has enjoyed an extended run in the first team. However, Spurs could still be willing to part for him for the right price, particularly if they are able to seal a deal for Doherty before the start of the season.

Although Milan have so far had no luck prising Aurier away from north London, Stefano Pioli is set to be boosted by the re-signing of Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The legendary Swede rejoined his former club on a short term deal in December.

His contract expires at the end of the month but according to Fabrizio Romano, Ibrahimovic has agreed to extend his deal until June 2021. The 38-year-old was in fine scoring form for Milan last season, hitting 11 goals and also registering five assists.

Ralf Rangnick had been pencilled in to take over at San Siro next year, but an incredible end to the campaign spared Pioli his job. He is now tasked with closing the gap on the likes of Juventus and city rivals Inter at the top of the Serie A table.