THFCSPURS19
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- Jan 6, 2013
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Tottenham join race for £39m Man United and Liverpool target Todibo
Signing a centre-back is the main priority, with three other players of interest, but a loan move for former Celtic winger Jota is also a possibility
www.standard.co.uk
Jean-Clair Todibo: Tottenham want £39m Manchester United and Liverpool target in January
Signing a centre-back is the main priority, with three other players of interest, but a loan move for former Celtic winger Jota is also a possibilityTottenham have joined the race to sign Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo, as they prepare to enter the transfer market for a new centre-back in January.
Spurs are desperate for defensive reinforcements and are ready to rival Manchester United and Liverpool for France international Todibo.
The 23-year-old has impressed in a Nice side challenging Paris Saint-Germain at the top of Ligue 1 and is said to be available for around £39million.
Spurs have made a new centre-back their top priority in January but they are expected to face competition from some of the best clubs in Europe for Todibo.
Micky van de Ven is out until next year with a hamstring injury and, with Cristian Romero suspended, Ange Postecoglou played full-backs Ben Davies and Emerson Royal in central defence in Sunday’s 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa.
Spurs also have long-standing interest in Bournemouth's Lloyd Kelly, while Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi and Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite are possible alternative targets.
Todibo is keen to move to the Premier League but, having broken into the France squad, will seek assurances he will be a regular starter as he bids to force his way into an ultra-competitive Les Bleus backline ahead of Euro 2024 next summer.
Spurs already have a top-level centre-back pairing in Van de Ven and Romero, but are looking to add depth in that position.
Todibo is also in less of a rush to move given Nice are mounting a title challenge after an unbeaten start of the season.
Postecoglou wants a new defensive signing lined up to come in early in January.
New Spurs sporting director Johan Lange will help guide chairman Daniel Levy over January plans and add names to their shortlist.
Palace and Everton will fight hard to keep both Guehi and Branthwaite, and Kelly may be the most viable option in January given his contract expires next summer.
Kelly did, however, sustain a hamstring injury at the weekend and could be set for a spell on the sidelines himself.
Eric Dier could leave Spurs in January after again being dropped for the Villa defeat.
