Tottenham set to move for London rivals' centre-back, as Ange Postecoglu's first signing: report

By
published

Tottenham Hotspur want defensive cover, with one London-based centre-back providing an intriguing option

Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou poses for a photo at Tottenham Hotspur Training Centre on June 09, 2023 in Enfield, England.
(Image credit: Tottenham Hotspur FC/Tottenham Hotspur FC via Getty Images)

Tottenham are eyeing up a defensive reinforcement from another London club to be Ange Postecoglou's first proper signing for the club.

Spurs have already confirmed the signing of Dejan Kulusevski on a permanent deal, following his 18-month loan stint. The deal had to be negotiated given that the buy clause couldn't be triggered, since Tottenham failed to qualify for Europe next season.

But given that the Swede was originally signed by Antonio Conte and sporting director Fabio Paratici, he doesn't necessarily count as Postecoglou's first signing, with the Australian looking to bolster his backline ahead of the season. 

Dejan Kulusevski of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates scoring their side's fourth goal during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Southampton FC at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on August 06, 2022 in London, England.

Dejan Kulusevski has permanently signed for Tottenham (Image credit: Tottenham Hotspur FC/Tottenham Hotspur FC via Getty Images)

According to Sky Sports, Tottenham are exploring a deal for Fulham centre-back, Tosin Adarabioyo.

The Cottager has a contract which is now set to expire in 2024, with his club having extended the deal by a year in order not to lose him for free this summer. Tim Ream and Issa Diop have been first-choice in the centre of defence under Marco Silva, however. 

Tottenham could well lose Davinson Sanchez this summer, with the Colombian likely to leave after becoming the Lilywhites' record signing when he joined six years ago. On-loan Clement Lenglet is set to return back to Barcelona, too, while there is speculation over Eric Dier's future.

Postecoglou played with a back four at Celtic and may well opt to do so at Spurs, despite Tottenham gearing their squad towards Antonio Conte's back three. 

Tottenham Hotspur head coach Antonio Conte laughs during a press conference on 3 January, 2023.

Former Tottenham Hotspur head coach Antonio Conte played a back three – leaving new boss Postecoglou with limited options for a back four (Image credit: Tottenham Hotspur FC via Getty Images)

Another Tottenham loanee, Pedro Porro, joins permanently this summer, following a obligation to buy clause in the deal he signed in January. 

Tosin is valued at €16 million by Transfermarkt. 

More Tottenham Hotspur stories

Tottenham transfer news is ramping up, with Ange Postecoglou now confirmed as manager.

Real Madrid have opened talks over a deal for Harry Kane, though it is believed that the England captain favours Manchester United. James Maddison is on the radar, while Jordan Pickford was, at one point, on the shortlist, too. Roger Ibanez has been linked, as has Liverpool no.2 Caoimhin Kelleher and long-time target Paolo Dybala.

Meanwhile former striker Teddy Sheringham reckons that, "No Tottenham fan would begrudge him the opportunity to win trophies with another club".

Mark White
Mark White
Content Editor

Mark White is the Digital Content Editor at FourFourTwo. During his time on the brand, Mark has written three cover features on Mikel Arteta, Martin Odegaard and the Invincibles, and has written pieces on subjects ranging from Sir Bobby Robson’s time at Barcelona to the career of Robinho. An encyclopedia of football trivia and collector of shirts, he first joined the team back in 2020 as a staff writer.