Tottenham Hotspur have made their first move to sign a Belgium international defender at the top of his game, according to a new report.
Ange prepares for Alkmaar while Spurs chiefs eye summer moves
Ange Postecoglou’s side haven’t had a season to remember so far, with Spurs currently in the bottom half of the Premier League. The only way the season can be deemed somewhat of a success is if they end their long wait for a trophy by lifting the Europa League.
Tottenham have it all to do against AZ Alkmaar, though, as they trail 1-0 after a Lucas Bergvall own-goal in the Netherlands ensured Postecoglou’s side have it all to do in the second leg as they look to book a spot in the quarter-finals.
Bergvall did help Tottenham fight back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 with Bournemouth days after his own goal against AZ Alkmaar, though, which resulted in praise from Postecoglou.
"Lucas was great. He has been great but he has played a lot and we've just got to be mindful of that. He's becoming an important part of our team. I thought he made a real big impact when he came on.
"Like I said we were sloppy when we were on the ball in the first half and he’s one who takes a bit more care with it. He's a technician and he carries the ball really well. I thought he and Sonny (Heung-min Son) made a really good impact when they came on."
Away from the pitch, and Spurs chiefs are seemingly preparing for the summer transfer window, with strong rumours to a number of targets.
Tottenham are once again ready to open talks to sign Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, whereas Bournemouth centre-back Dean Huijsen is also on Spurs’ radar amid a £55m release clause in his Cherries contract.
Defensive reinforcements are clearly on Postecoglou and Tottenham’s to-do list, and a new name ah now emerged.
Spurs make approach to sign £25m defender Koni de Winter
According to reports in Italy, relayed by Sport Witness, Tottenham have made contact with Genoa over a potential move for defender Koni de Winter.
Tottenham have ‘asked for information on the 22-year-old, as have top-flight rivals Man Utd and West Ham. Napoli and Roma are also keen on De Winter, who is expected to cost €30m (£25m) as Genoa look to make a profit on the Belgium international.
Tottenham have a history of signing Belgian defenders in Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen, so De Winter could be the next to move to north London.
Primarily a centre-back, De Winter would offer plenty of versatility as he’s also capable of turning out as a right-back or as a holding midfielder.
He is at the top of his game with a career-high €12m Transfermarkt valuation, a figure which stood at just €2.2m three years ago.
De Winter came through in Juventus’ academy and made his loan move to Genoa permanent last summer, but by the looks of things, he could be on the move again 12 months on, potentially to England with Spurs.