Spurs chase CB trio as £68.2m target rules himself out

Tottenham’s priority in the summer transfer window is thought to be strengthening their defence.

They are reportedly close to completing a move for Bologna star Takehiro Tomisyahu in a deal thought to be around £15million plus add-ons.

The Japan international impressed in Serie A last season and can play as a right-back or central defender, normally in a back three.

READ MORE: Leicester primed to avoid a hat-trick of disappointment

But his arrival will not prevent Spurs from chasing further defensive additions.

The Athletic claim Jules Kounde is their top target and Sevilla are thought to be open to allowing him to leave at the right price.

The La Liga side need to balance the books having hit financial difficulties in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

The would reportedly consider selling Kounde for less than his €80 million (£68.2 million) buyout clause, though it would still likely require more than the €60 million (£51.2 million) Manchester City reportedly offered last summer.

But Tottenham’s failure to qualify for the Champions League appears to have ruled them out of the running, with the Frenchman wanting to play at the highest level. He wants a move to Chelsea.

And that’s led Spurs to consider other options.

Milan Skriniar has been linked with a move to north London for some time and performance direcor Steve Hitchen is said to have gone to Milan last summer to hold talks, but the asking price was too high.

But Inter’s financial issues could mean they’re more open to a sale this summer and Tottenham remain interested.

Southampton’s Jannik Vestergaard is another reported option and would be far cheaper.

But director of football Fabio Paratici is thought to consider Verstergaard and Wolfsburg’s Maxence Lacroix as last ditch options compared to Skriniar, who remains the top target along with Kounde.

But Spurs, like so many clubs, will need to move players on to be able to fund new deals.

Serge Aurier has been made available for transfer and The Athletic also claim that Spurs will also listen to offers for Davinson Sanchez and Cameron Carter-Vickers, who spent last season on loan at Bournemouth.

Meanwhile, Toby Alderweireld has told the Tottenham bosses that he wants to leave the club this summer.