According to a report in Sunday’s paper edition of La Gazzetta dello Sport via Sport Witness, Tottenham, Man United and Everton are all ‘chasing‘ Hellas Verona defender Marash Kumbulla as the Lilywhites potentially search for a successor to club icon Jan Vertonghen.
Kumbulla, who has started 18 Serie A games for the club this season, helping to guide I Gialloblu to within touching distance of a Europa League qualifying spot, is now attracting interest from three Premier League outfits and many top clubs.
As well as the English trio, Inter Milan, Lazio, Napoli, RB Leipzig and Eintracht Frankfurt are currently monitoring the 20-year-old who has been dubbed a ‘young Chiellini‘ in reference to Italian footballing stalwart Giorgio Chiellini.
According to WhoScored, Kumbulla has averaged more tackles per game than the likes of Toby Alderweireld and Tanguy Ndombele whilst also making the same amount of clearances as Vertonghen.
Along with his impressive 84.2% pass accuracy, which exceeds that of both Spurs’ Belgian stalwarts, it’s clear to see why Spurs may want to join the race for his signature.
As per this La Gazzetta dello Sport piece, Hellas Verona currently value their young centre-back at around a minimum €25 million (£22.3 million) – which may represent a potential bargain in the air should Daniel Levy and co make the youngster a priority target.
Should Kumbulla be Daniel Levy's top target for £22.3m?
Absolutely, the kid is class
No, we have bigger priorities
However, given United and Everton’s interest, Spurs may face a battle for the defender as he attracts potential suitors with impressive displays.
Time will tell whether we do decide to swoop for the Albanian, but given his stellar reputation, we could do far worse for a potential £22.3m fee.