Tottenham Hotspur are eyeing a move to sign RB Leipzig star Castello Lukeba this summer, with the futures of Cristian Romero and Micky Van de Ven up in the air, according to Sports Boom.
Spurs have had a poor season so far and currently sit five points above the relegation zone with 12 games remaining in the Premier League, with the club having sacked Thomas Frank earlier this week and replaced him with Igor Tudor until the end of the season.
But despite their managerial situation for next season being unclear, and the club being unlikely to have European football, they are still planning to make big moves in the transfer market to ensure this doesn't happen again.
Tottenham Want to Sign Castello Lukeba
Lukeba, who has been described as 'world-class', has become one of Europe's best young defenders during his time in Germany with Leipzig, which saw the Bundesliga club hand him a new contract recently with a huge £78m release clause.
However, despite that clause and contract, the France international could be on the move this summer with Leipzig struggling to qualify for the Champions League, and it could result in a sale being needed to raise funds.
Tottenham are understood to be one of the clubs keeping a close eye on the defender's situation heading into the summer window. They believe that he could easily play in a high line in the Premier League, while his on-ball ability is regarded as excellent, and the fact he is left-footed also a bonus.
Leipzig are unlikely to hold out for the full release clause if they miss out on Champions League football, and it's reported that any deal starting at a guaranteed €60m (£52m), rising up to around €90m (£78m) in significant add-ons would be listened to.
There have been some talks between the player's camp and delegates from Premier League sides, although which clubs remains unclear.
Spurs Planning for Life After Romero and Van de Ven?
The current Spurs club would well be about to be split up next season if they miss out on the Champions League, and central defence is likely to be an area that gets picked apart.
Romero's future is looking bleak, with reports that he has already decided he wants to leave, while Van de Ven has been linked with a move to join Liverpool, who need a new starting centre-back.
A move for Lukeba could well be the club planning for life without their regular starting defenders for next season and beyond, and while a deal would be expensive, it would ensure they keep top quality in their defensive line.