TOTTENHAM are on the hunt for a new centre-back in January amid their defensive crisis.
Things were going swimmingly for Ange Postecoglou’s men until their clash with Chelsea earlier this month.
The affable Aussie lost Cristian Romero to suspension and Micky van de Ven injury during the chaotic London derby.
He subsequently fielded a makeshift backline comprised of Ben Davies and Eric Dier against Wolves, and is likely to have to do so again until Romero’s suspension ends in two games’ time.
According to the Mail, Spurs have drawn up a five-man shortlist of centre-backs they could target in January as extra cover for the oft-suspended Romero and crocked Van de Ven.
It is headed up by Premier League duo Marc Guehi and Jarrad Branthwaite.
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While AC Milan’s Malick Thiaw, Goncalo Inacio of Sporting Lisbon and Benfica’s Morato are also on their shortlist.
With Van de Ven’s injury set to keep him out until some time into the new year, it’s possible that a new acquisition would slot straight in next to Romero.
The Argentine had looked a calmer presence this season, prior to his reckless moment against Chelsea.
Should he be in top form, he would be the perfect man for a new centre-back to slot in next to.
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Romero, 25, has averaged a red card every 18.75 appearances for Spurs, however.
So if he were to get suspended yet again, or injured, Tottenham may look to recruit two extra defenders in January.
This would be made more likely by a possible Dier departure.
The England international is out of contract at the end of the season and very unlikely to be handed a new one.
Spurs could look to cash in mid-season, with Dier’s former club Sporting Lisbon reportedly interested.
In the event that Tottenham get two centre-backs they could even field the likes of Guehi and Branthwaite together, giving real competition for places at the back.
Ahead of the defence, Spurs have recently been boosted by the return to fitness of Rodrigo Bentancur.
The Uruguayan can help add class to the Lilywhite’s engine room, which will be particularly handy during James Maddison’s injury lay-off.
Richarlison should return to fitness in the next few weeks after undergoing surgery, although Ivan Perisic, Manor Solomon and Ryan Sessegnon remain long-term absentees.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
