Spurs have switched their attention towards doing a deal to sign the Slovak centre-back from Italian giants Inter as they look to boost their defensive options before the transfer window shuts.
They are putting the legwork in on a potential deal and technical director Hitchen was photographed in Milan on Wednesday by Sky Italia.
He was in Italy to hold talks with Skriniar’s agent and explain the project that Spurs have in mind for the player if he does agree to make the move to north London.
Spurs are already in touch with Inter about signing the centre-back and talks are set to continue.
However, Inter’s current stance is that Skriniar will cost €60m to sign.
Tottenham do not want to pay €60m for the Slovak and are attempting to negotiate the price down; they have identified Benfica’s Ruben Dias as an alternative.
Jose Mourinho’s side could be willing to pay around €50m for Skriniar.
Hitchen’s presence in Italy is a sign of how seriously Spurs are engaging with the prospect of snapping up the Serie A defender in the coming days.
