Tottenham devise ‘four-man defender shortlist’ as Man Utd battle looms
Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy is reportedly weighing up four January transfer targets to bolster Ange Postecoglou’s defensive ranks. Injuries to centre-backs Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven have decimated Spurs’ form and sent them tumbling down the Premier League table.
The partnership of Romero and Van de Ven was one of Postecoglou’s breakthrough discoveries in his first few weeks at the helm. His haul of 26 points from a possible 30 marked the best start of any manager making their first foray into Premier League football, but results have nosedived due to a spate of recent injury blows.
According to the Evening Standard, Postecoglou has tasked Levy with recruiting a centre-back early in the January window. OGC Nice star Jean-Clair Todibo is believed to be the top priority, which could lead to a transfer battle with Manchester United.
Liverpool are also believed to be interested in the 23-year-old, with a £39million scrap for his signature threatening to erupt once the winter window swings open.
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Thankfully for Spurs, if they are unsuccessful in their bid to sting United and Liverpool, the same report states that Marc Guehi, Jarrad Branthwaite and Lloyd Kelly are likely to be considered as alternative targets.
Guehi has played every minute in all bar one of Crystal Palace’s 13 Premier League matches so far this season. But like Todibo, the defender’s services are highly coveted and he could cost in excess of £50m.
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Branthwaite came of age on loan at PSV Eindhoven last season, and Everton boss Sean Dyche has now made him a regular starter as the Toffees attempt to fight back from their Premier League points deduction. The 21-year-old, who stands at a towering 6ft 5in, has previously been linked with Man Utd.
Kelly helped Bournemouth gain promotion from the Championship in 2022, and he has impressed to the extent of attracting some seriously high-profile suitors. AC Milan and Juventus are among them, although a mid-season sale could be tough for the Cherries to stomach.
Tottenham are rumoured to have seen a £20m bid for Kelly rejected in the summer because Bournemouth did not have enough time to find a replacement, so the south coast outfit may be braced for another attempt to tempt the 25-year-old after the New Year.
Aston Villa’s 2-1 win at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday marked Postecoglou’s third consecutive Premier League defeat, leaving his side fifth in the table and four points off the top.
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