The impending arrival of Genoa defender Radu Dragusin is set to nudge out-of-favour centre back Eric Dier further out the exit door as a Premier League rival looks ready to pounce.
Multiple outlets have reported Tottenham are nearing a deal with Italian side Genoa for Romanian centre-back Radu Dragusin.
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The 21-year-old, who came through Juventus’ academy, signed for Genoa on a permanent deal last summer after impressing on loan.
But his time in Serie A could be nearing its end as Tottenham push for a deal.
According to Sky Sports’ Mark McAdam, Genoa are hoping to net a $AUD48 million fee for Dragusin but Spurs want a deal done between $32 million and $40 million.
“He’s young, quick, athletic so he’s the right profile for Tottenham,” McAdam said on Sky Sports’ Transfer Show.
“He can work with Ange, be moulded and develop. He’s been around good pedigree of coaches having been at Juventus.
“You can see this deal escalating quite quickly.”
If Dragusin signs on at Tottenham, which appears highly likely at this stage, it will push Dier further down the pecking order.
Dier is out of contract in the summer and it is almost certain he will not receive an extension on his deal.
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It’s why Tottenham are so keen to move Dier on in January given it will be the last opportunity they have to recoup some sort of fee for the England international.
And according to ESPN, Dier could land at fellow Premier League side West Ham United, who have been described as “monitoring the situation.”
As it stands, the Hammers have skipper Kurt Zouma, Konstantinos Mavropanos, Nayef Aguerd and Angelo Ogbonna as centre-back options, although Ogbonna is 35 and is the likeliest of the group to leave next.
SPURS PAY SECRET VISIT TO WATCH FOREST ACE
Tottenham summer signing Brennan Johnson could be reunited with a familiar face from his time at Nottingham Forest.
The Daily Mail reports Tottenham sent representatives to watch Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White in action against Manchester United on December 31.
Gibbs-White most certainly would have left a good impression as he scored the winner in the 82nd minute to cap off a perfect counter attack from Forest against the Red Devils.
The Forest star, who primarily operates as an attacking midfielder, would not come cheap though having moved to the City Ground in the summer of 2022 for $65 million from Wolves.
Gibbs-White scored five goals and laid on eight assists for Forest last season as he went on to win the club’s player of the year award.
MIDFIELD STAR INKS NEW DEAL
Tottenham midfielder Pape Matar Sarr has extended his stay in north London until 2030 after penning a new deal.
Sarr has come on in leaps and bounds since Postecoglou’s arrival and is now a nailed-on starter when fit.
Unfortunately for Postecoglou and Tottenham they will have to briefly wave goodbye to Sarr as he departs for the African Cup of Nations to represent Senegal and will miss at least two games, depending if Senegal progress from the group stage.
DEFENDER’S LOAN CUT SHORT
Tottenham will welcome back Spanish defender Sergio Reguilon after his loan was terminated by Manchester United, per The Athletic.
Reguilon moved to the Red Devils on a temporary basis in the summer after United’s regular left backs Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia suffered injuries.
However, Shaw has since returned to fitness while Malacia isn’t far away himself, meaning there’s no need for Reguilon at Old Trafford.
Reguilon made 12 appearances in total for United but will now return to Tottenham where he will deputise for Destiny Udogie who has cemented himself as Postecoglou’s first choice at left back.