Tottenham Hotspur have been keeping tabs on a Bundesliga centre-back for a long time and they have now been informed that the player is available for sale this summer.
Amidst the continued uncertainty over Cristian Romero’s future, Spurs have been linked with a whole host of centre-backs over the last few months.
Various outlets have claimed that strengthening central defence is one of Thomas Frank’s priorities this summer, which is not surprising, given that the Dane is no stranger to using three at the back.
It has now emerged that a Japanese international, who has been on the Lilywhites’ radar for a long time, is now available for a cut-price fee.
This comes after Tottenham already agreed a £5m deal for Kota Takai this week, another Japanese international central defender.
Tottenham have been informed of Ko Itakura’s availability
GiveMeSport have now claimed that Spurs have been informed that Borussia Monchengladbach centre-back Ko Itakura is now in the shop window.
The report says that the Premier League side have been in ‘regular contact’ about the 28-year-old’s availability over the last 18 months, touching base with the defender’s entourage regularly.
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Intermediaries have now been in touch with Spurs to let the club know that Gladbach are ready to sell Itakura over the coming weeks.
With the defender having just one year left on his contract, the Bundesliga club have decided to cash in on him for just £12m.
The outlet adds that while Spurs are looking for a player of the Gladbach star’s profile, it is unclear if they will make a move for the Japanese centre-back this summer.
It remains to be seen whether Tottenham would want to sign both Kota Takai and Ko Itakura this summer.
Which other centre-backs do Tottenham have their eye on?
Tottenham continue to be credited with an interest in Marc Guehi, but according to reports over recent days, Spurs are now outsiders in the race to sign the Crystal Palace star.
It has emerged over the last two weeks that Spurs are stepping up their interest in Jarrad Branthwaite, who is thought to be valued at £70m by Everton.