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Tottenham making smart £23m transfer decision to solve defensive crisis – opinion

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Tottenham have been linked with a move for Declan Rice, with the West Ham United defender being out of contract not summer and yet to put pen to paper on an extension. Mauricio Pochettino could have a defensive crisis in the summer of 2019 and has been smart to target the £23m-rated centre-back as a potential replacement for Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld.

Rice has made 44 appearances in all competitions at United and could be on the move in January or next summer. West Ham have a decision to make whether to cash in on Rice or risk losing him for nothing at the end of the season, as the two parties can’t agree on terms to extend his contract. Tottenham are right to capitalise on the situation.

The Republic of Ireland international, who has made three caps for his country, could have a bright future under the right guidance. He’s impressed in an inconsistent West Ham side and would surely thrive under a manager like Pochettino. Rice was born in London, is 19-years of age and have some fantastic mentors to learn from.

Should Vertonghen and/or Alderweireld leave Tottenham next summer, eyeing up Rice to replace them is a very smart move. He could provide more than 10 years of service and would be ready to slot straight into the side.

Crippy Cooke’s previous article

https://spurs.vitalfootball.co.uk/pochettino-eyes-highly-rated-playmaker-barcelona-and-bayern-could-throw-spanner-in-the-works

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Sports journalist who is an avid football fan, enjoys debunking transfer rumours, loves to write pieces about players out in the cold and takes a large amount of pride getting a predicted XI 100% correct.