Fabrizio Romano has provided an update on Tottenham’s current activity in the transfer market when looking for a new central defender and hinted that Fabio Paratici could be working on a surprise transfer deal.
Spurs have been one of the most active clubs in the window so far as they continue to prepare for a full season under Antonio Conte.
The club recently completed a deal to sign Brighton midfielder Yves Bissouma, who arrived as the third addition behind free transfers Ivan Perisic and Fraser Forster.
In terms of outgoings, Cameron Carter-Vickers sealed a permanent move to Celtic after a successful loan spell while Pierluigi Gollini returned to parent club Atalanta following a season-long loan.
Italian journalist Romano discussed what is next on the agenda for Spurs. The transfer guru touched on their plans to bring in a central defender, naming RB Leipzig duo Josko Gvardiol and Mohamed Simakan as well as Villarreal’s Pau Torres as some of the names under consideration.
And in doing so, he also suggested Spurs’ managing director of football could look to complete a surprise deal from under the radar as he is ‘washed with all waters’ with his contacts across Europe.
Romano told Wettfreunde: “Tottenham’s goals in central defence will depend on the price. I can tell you that one of the players they have been watching for a long time is Mohamed Simakan from RB Leipzig. Another player they greatly appreciate is Josko Gvardiol. These are two players who really like them, but it depends on the price.
“We know how difficult it is to negotiate with Leipzig. In terms of top goals: Pau Torres was on the verge of moving to Tottenham a year ago. It could happen this summer, depending on the negotiations with Giovani Lo Celso. But so far there is nothing concrete. We heard rumours about a possible move for Torres a few days or weeks ago.
“But at the moment there is nothing in sight. Alessandro Bastoni was a top target, but he remains with Inter. Milan Škriniar would have the opportunity to leave. Maybe to move to PSG, who are ahead at the moment. But Bastoni is a really complicated matter.
“I’m sure Tottenham will get a central defender because Antonio Conte really wants one. For the moment, you have to keep an eye on RB Leipzig’s attackers in particular. But they are not easy to negotiate. I wouldn’t be surprised if Fabio Paratici conjures a surprise out of the hat, because he is washed with all waters.”
Our View
Tottenham have quite a bit of work to do befor the window closes but they have made a good start with the additions they have made so far.
There is plenty of time left for incomings, but they need to make sure they find potential buyers for their unwanted players to avoid being stuck with them. The club head to South Korea early next month to start their pre-season tour and there’s no doubt Conte will want as many of his targets to be signed and sealed before then to give him plenty of time on the training pitch to help his new arrivals adjust to his methods.
