Postecoglou plots complete Tottenham defensive revamp after ‘making contact’ with two exciting targets
Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou has made signing two centre-backs his transfer priority and reportedly has two exciting targets on his radar.
Spurs conceded an eye-watering 63 goals in the Premier League last term, which was a key reason for them finishing in a disappointing eighth place.
As a result, Postecoglou is preparing to offload several of his centre-backs and replace them with better players this summer.
Indeed, the likes of Ben Davies, Japhet Tanganga and Davinson Sanchez have been deemed surplus to requirements by the manager.
Now, Tottenham are ‘close’ to making their first centre-back signing. As reported by TEAMtalk, an agreement to sign Micky van de Ven from Wolfsburg for £30m has been struck.
Van de Ven is ‘keen’ on a move to Spurs. So, everything points towards the transfer being completed in the near future.
But, as mentioned, Postecoglou is keen to bring in multiple defenders this summer. And, it is reported that he is pushing to sign two targets at the moment.
Tottenham eye swoop for Wolves defender
According to TuttoMercatoWeb, Tottenham are ‘in contact’ with Wolves over signing Max Kilman this summer.
The report claims that Napoli made an offer of €35m (£30m) for the 26-year-old a few days ago. But, Wolves are holding out for around €40m (£34m).
However, ideally, Kilman would prefer to stay in the Premier League and Tottenham are thought to be the favourites to bring in him.
Indeed, TuttoMercatoWeb claim that Spurs are ‘at the front of the queue’ and remain in talks with Wolves.
Last season, Kilman made 37 league appearances for the Midlands club, helping his team to 11 clean sheets. In fact, he was a key reason for them staying in the Premier League.
So, it will be interesting to see if Tottenham meet Wolves’ valuation of €40m (£34m) for Kilman. But, they will have to move quickly if they want to beat Napoli to his signature.
Tottenham still interested in Victor Nelsson
As mentioned, though, Kilman isn’t the only centre-back Postecoglou has on his radar.
Last month, reports suggested that Tottenham had made a £18.8m bid for Galatasaray centre-back Victor Nelsson. It was also stated he had asked the Turkish club to accept the bid because he’s keen to join the Premier League side.
Since then, the links between Tottenham and Nelsson seemed to go quiet, until now.
According to Turkish outlet Akşam, Spurs remain the ‘most serious’ club in the race for Nelsson. This comes after Galatasaray’s vice-president, Erden Timur, made a trip to London, where he held talks over a potential sale of the defender.
The report claims that Galatasaray have already rejected the north London club’s £18.8m bid for the Denmark international. And, have requested his release clause of €25m (£21.4m) is paid to sanction his sale.
Last term, Nelsson made 35 appearances across all competitions for the Turkish giants. In the process, he helped keep 16 clean sheets.
The 24-year-old’s performances have attracted the interest of several top clubs. But, it seems Spurs are leading the race.
With that in mind, it remains to be seen whether Postecoglou opts to sign Kilman or Nelsson alongside Van de Ven this summer – which is the deal that is closest to completion, as it stands.
