According to reports in the Daily Mail, Tottenham Hotspur are targeting a move for Hoffenheim defender Jeremy Toljan after a deal for FC Porto right-back Ricardo Pereira stalled.
Mauricio Pochettino had been targeting Pereira as a potential replacement for Kyle Walker following his move to Manchester City earlier this month, but the Daily Mail says negotiations have become complicated because of the player’s third party ownership and his £20m valuation.
The report adds that now the north London outfit could switch their attentions to Toljan, who has just one year remaining on his contract with the Bundesliga outfit.
The Germany Under-21 international, who featured for his country as they won this summer’s European Under-21 Championships, was a key figure for the German side last season as they finished fourth in the league standings.
He would also be available for a reasonably low price – something that will be an attractive proposition for Spurs in what is proving to be a turbulent transfer market.
Here are three reasons Tottenham target Toljan would be one of the signings of the summer…
Qualities/Potential
Toljan played in 20 of Hoffenheim’s 34 Bundesliga matches last season and it would have been more had it not been for a tendon injury he suffered which saw him miss six league games.
The 22-year-old was part of the team – and at times the defence – that had the second best rearguard in the German top flight after conceding just 37 goals throughout the campaign.
He showed his qualities at the back by making 34 clearances and 31 interceptions, while he was also successful with 13 tackles and was fouled on 15 occasions.
The Germany Under-21 international is young and has plenty of time to develop and improve, and Spurs could be the perfect place to do exactly that.
Versatility
As we alluded to previously, Toljan is a versatile figure and despite being naturally right-footed, he is also able to play on the opposite flank as well.
Last season the 22-year-old played at right and left-back, as well as right and left midfield, and he would certainly be useful addition to the current Tottenham team with that adaptability.
The German would provide competition and cover for Kieran Trippier at right-back or right wing-back, while he could also do the same for Danny Rose and Ben Davies too, if required.
The fact that he can play further forward would be another positive for Pochettino, as he could also be used in a more attacking role in what is sure to be another tough season for Spurs.
Price tag
According to reports in the Evening Standard, Toljan could be available for as little as £3.1m as he has just one year remaining on his contract with the Bundesliga side.
Considering some of the crazy prices that have already been thrown around for players this summer – even the fee that saw Kyle Walker join Manchester City – Tottenham may feel that they would be getting a low risk bargain if they managed to get the 22-year-old for just over £3m.
With the potential he has and the impression he has already made in his career, it would mean that the Germany Under-21 international would be one of the signings of the summer.
Do you agree, Spurs fans? Let us know below.
