Joel Ordonez sprinting during a game between Ecuador and Ivory Coast alongside Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi starring into the distance.
Joel Ordonez in action for Ecuador alongside Tottenham manager Roberto De ZerbiImago
Tottenham Hotspur

Joel Ordonez strengthens his case as Tottenham weigh up Jan Paul van Hecke alternative

Ciaran Morrison
Ciaran Morrison

Correspondent AUTHORITY Football finance journalist specialising in the financial landscape of the Premier League and SPFL. FOCUS Financial analysis, club economics, and data-led coverage across the top flight and Scottish football. THE INSIGHT Ciaran utilises a network of financial and industry contacts to deliver verified, data-driven analysis. He provides the numbers behind the noise to ensure fans understand the fiscal reality driving decisions at the top of the game.

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Joel Ordonez has been linked with a move to the Premier League, and clubs got a chance to watch him during Ecuador's opening World Cup match.

The 22-year-old played the full 90 minutes as he made his World Cup debut for Ecuador in a 1-0 defeat to the Ivory Coast.

According to Caught Offside, Tottenham are leading Liverpool and other interested clubs in pursuit of Ordonez this summer.

Spurs are pursuing a centre-back, with two bids having already been rejected for Brighton's Jan Paul van Hecke, whilst Liverpool are short in the position after losing Ibrahima Konate.

Ordonez could be a cheaper alternative to van Hecke for Spurs, with Brighton holding out for over £50million for the Dutchman.

Manager Roberto De Zerbi is taking on a rebuilding project at Spurs this summer as he looks to climb the Premier League table next season following a 17th-placed finish last time out.

Joel Ordonez passes first World Cup audition

Despite conceding a 90th minute winner to the Ivory Coast, Ordonez had a solid game, and impressed alongside PSG's Willian Pacho in the centre of defence.

Despite increasing pressure from the Ivory Coast as the game wore on, Ordonez won all his aerial duels and tackles, made eight clearances and made three recoveries and one interception.

A threat from set-pieces, Ordonez headed over the bar from a free kick, and had another shot blocked inside the penalty area.

Successfully completing 90 per cent of his passes, it feels like there could be more to come from the defender as the World Cup continues.

Ordonez though may not get a move to Spurs, as sources told Football Insider that they are set to submit a third bid to Brighton in an attempt to sign van Hecke.

Joel Ordonez sprinting during a game between Ecuador and Ivory Coast alongside Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi starring into the distance.
Tottenham set to make third offer to sign Brighton star Jan Paul van Hecke

Why are Tottenham pursuing another defender?

Spurs have already confirmed the arrivals of Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi on free transfers this summer.

Without any outgoings, De Zerbi is set to have a problem guaranteeing players game time in his back four.

Micky van de Ven has shown for the Netherlands that he could play left-back if van Hecke arrives, but that is not his ideal position.

It points to either van de Ven or captain Cristian Romero leaving the club this summer, and De Zerbi looking to the future with new recruits like van Hecke and Ordonez.

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