Tottenham ‘plan to sign top-class centre-back’ after ‘huge’ bid rejected
Tottenham are planning to sign a top-class centre-back during the summer transfer window, according to their former scout.
Mick Brown, who also worked as the chief scout at Man United and Blackburn and remains very well-connected at his former clubs, exclusively told Football Insider that Ange Postecoglou is keen to strengthen his options at the back.
Brown explained that the plan would be to start the new addition alongside Micky van de Ven amid concerns about Cristian Romero’s future.
The former scout told Football Insider in November that Spurs are open to letting Romero leave if they can find a replacement amid interest from Real Madrid.
This comes as Tottenham have been struggling defensively all season, having kept just two clean sheets in their last ten games, and will look for reinforcements.
Meanwhile, Spurs had a “huge” £70million bid for Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi rejected in the closing stages of the January transfer window.
Football Insider revealed on 14 March that Liverpool are leading the race for Guehi, while the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea and Newcastle are also interested.
Tottenham plan to sign new centre-back after Romero latest
Tottenham are already putting plans in place for the summer window, as a new centre-back is just one of their priority targets to strengthen their side.
Brown, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, insisted that their scouts have already been looking to identify potential options for Postecoglou.
“Tottenham want to sign a top-class centre-back when the window opens,” he told Football Insider.
“They don’t need a ‘might-be’ player, they need a solid, definitive centre-half.
“If they can bring a player like that in, it will allow them to pair him with Van de Ven and create a really strong partnership at the back.
“I’ve heard Romero has been mentioned in connection with a move to Real Madrid as well, so that’s going to add to their need to sign a new option.
“So their scouts will be looking to see what options will be available to them.
“They missed out on signing Marc Guehi in January, he would have been the perfect option.
“Tottenham haven’t been good enough defensively this season, it’s an area they have to address.
“If they’re going to stick with Postecoglou, they have to back him to strengthen the team and make sure he can get the players he wants.”
Postecoglou eyes Angel Gomes swoop as transfer plans underway
Alongside the addition of a new centre-back, Tottenham are also looking to strengthen their midfield in the window as part of a potential big-spending summer.
Football Insider revealed on 15 March that Postecoglou is a big fan of Angel Gomes, who is set to leave Lille on a free transfer come the end of the season.
The 24-year-old has attracted Spurs’ attention after his performances for England under Lee Carsley, although he has failed to make his way into Thomas Tuchel’s side.
However, they are expected to face plenty of competition for his signature as a result of his availability, amid interest from West Ham and a number of teams across Europe.
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