Robinson hails Paratici 'genius' as Tottenham 'agree' Kounde transfer
Tottenham director of football Fabio Paratici would be pulling off "a stroke of genius" if he succeeds with a cash-plus-player deal for Sevilla defender Jules Kounde, according to Paul Robinson.
The former White Hart Lane number one, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, said the 22-year-old "could be the world-class centre-half that Spurs so desperately need".
According to Sky Sports Italy's Gianluca Di Marzio (14th July), Spurs have agreed a deal with Sevilla to sign Kounde.
The La Liga side have accepted a bid of £25.5million plus Davinson Sanchez for the France international.
However, Spanish outlet Marca have since reported that the centre-half has rejected the chance to move to north London because he wants to play Champions League football next season.
Kounde has three years remaining on his contract with Sevilla.
When asked by Football Insider's Dylan Childs for his thoughts on the agreement between the two clubs, Robinson said:
"That would be a stroke of genius from Paratici if Kounde comes in and Sanchez is used as a makeweight in the deal.
"If they can make a cash-plus-player deal work then it would be ideal.
"Kounde could be the world-class centre-half that Spurs are so desperately in need of. He is definitely an upgrade on what they have currently got."
Tottenham are in the market for two centre-halves in this window, with Davinson Sanchez and Toby Alberweireld likely to depart.
As revealed by Football Insider (8th July), Takehiro Tomiyasu could be first through the door after the club agreed personal terms with the Bologna centre-half.