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Two targets identified as Spurs intensify centre-back search

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The fragilities in the Tottenham defence have been visible for the last few seasons now ever since Kyle Walker was sold to champions elect Manchester City and Danny Rose, Hugo Lloris and Jan Vertonghen all began to slip out of their prime phase.

The likes of Davinson Sanchez, Matt Doherty, Juan Foyth and Serge Aurier have all been bought since that fantastic campaign back in the 2016-17 season where we didn’t lose at home, but none of these players have managed to come in and shore up the defence.

Meanwhile, experienced trio Toby Alderweireld, Eric Dier and Ben Davies have all also looked far from their best in the last few years.

Youth academy products Kyle Walker-Peters, Cameron Carter-Vickers and Timothy Eyoma all looked like they had first-team potential, but with KWP sold to Southampton and the latter two being sent out on various loans in the Football League, it’s unlikely that even one of those three will ever contribute to the club regularly.

Heading into the Summer transfer window, it’s crucial that we target defensive signings to provide stability at the back, and Southampton’s Jannik Vestergaard and Lille’s Sven Botman are reportedly both on Daniel Levy’s wish list.

A centre-back with high potential to partner Joe Rodon or Japhet Tanganga for years to come would be a dream signing – making Botman a slightly more attractive choice, with the 21-year-old Dutch centre-back valued at around £22-23 million.

The former Ajax defender has been a rock at the back for Lille, where he has played 39 times for the club in all competitions, assisting one goal.

Vestergaard, 28, is a much more experienced defender but has been a threat in the air for Southampton this season, scoring three goals in the Premier League so far.

Speaking to Tipsbladet, the powerful Danish centre-half admitted that it was nice to be linked with a move to Spurs.

“I can only say that, of course, it’s always a pat on the back with stories of interest from other big clubs,” said Vestergaard

“But, right now, I have a contract with Southampton, so it’s not something I can talk about.

“I focus on the matches in the Premier League, on the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley, and now the important matches with the national team.”

Our pick out of the two would definitely be Botman, but it will be exciting to see other names begin to be linked with a transfer to North London.

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