Bryan King has criticized AC Milan after they made their initial offer for Tottenham defender Emerson Royal.

The former Spurs scout claims the Italian club is known for being reluctant to spend big on transfers.

According to BBC Sport (16 July), Milan’s opening bid of £8.4 million for Emerson was rejected by Tottenham.

Speaking exclusively to Tottenham News, King expressed his belief that the North London club will seek a higher fee for Emerson.

“I think Tottenham are looking for a figure between £12-15 million, at least,” King stated. “Italian teams, particularly AC Milan, sell expensive but don’t like to spend big money, do they? Emerson is a versatile player, and I expect Tottenham will want a minimum of £12 million. That bid from AC Milan is ridiculous; clubs are paying more than that for 17-year-olds.”

AC Milan and Tottenham negotiating Emerson Royal’s transfer
Milan and Spurs have been in discussions over Emerson for a while. Therefore, it seems odd that the Serie A side would make such a low offer after those talks.

They must have known Tottenham would reject the bid, making it seem like a waste of time for everyone involved.

Milan has yet to return with an improved offer for Emerson, while interest has also emerged from Borussia Dortmund and clubs in Saudi Arabia.

However, Emerson is eager to join Milan (via Fabrizio Romano, 2 July), and he hopes their initial offer was just a starting point in negotiations, leading to a deal being finalized.

In other Tottenham news, the club has avoided a “massive blow” following a behind-the-scenes update.