Celtic, Bournemouth and Monaco have joined Serie A champions AC Milan in the race to sign Tottenham defender Japhet Tanganga, according to reports in the Italian media.

The Rossoneri have been locked in talks to sign the 23-year-old, with his agent and Spurs sporting director Fabio Paratici having flown out to Italy in order to thrash out a deal.

However, Tanganga’s €30m (£25m) asking price is proving a major stumbling block, and Milan are now asking for a loan with an obligation to buy at the end of the season.

That sort of deal could allow other teams into the race, such as Celtic, who would be more open to recruiting him on a temporary basis.

Whether Hoops boss Ange Postecoglou actually needs another centre-half, though, it is debatable. The Scottish champions have recently recruited Moritz Jenz from Lorient, which means they are now pretty well stocked in that position.