TOTTENHAM are reportedly leading the race to sign Bologna star Takehiro Tomiyasu.
Spurs had a £15million bid for the defender rejected earlier this month but are still believed to be interested.
And Tomiyasu wants to join, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.
The transfer guru claims Tottenham are the only English club in talks to sign Tomiyasu, suggesting Arsenal are no longer chasing the Japan international.
Romano says a final decision will be made soon but does report interest from Serie A side Atalanta.
And unlike Spurs, the Italians would be able to offer Tomiyasu Champions League football next season – he would not have to move country either.
Bologna are believed to want £17.2m for Tomiyasu, 22, so it is up to Daniel Levy to offer up the extra cash.
And if he does sign Tottenham fans would have to wait a while to see Tomiyasu in action as he will represent Japan at the Olympics this summer.
Nevertheless, supporters will likely be pleased to beat rivals Arsenal to an important signing.
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Spurs are yet to make a signing under Nuno Espirito Santo, who could want a new centre-back if he is to operate with a back five – as he did at Wolves.
Tomiyasu also holds the advantage of being able to play at right-back, so could slot in well as a right-sided centre-back between Davinson Sanchez and Matt Doherty.
Tomiyasu possesses good physical attributes with his speed and strength two of his main assets.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
