Tottenham hold ‘advanced talks’ as deal for quality free agent nears

Jerome Boateng, David Alaba, Franck Ribery Bayern Munich glory days

Tottenham are reported to be closing in on the signature of free-agent defender Jerome Boateng after it was claimed they had held talks with the departing Bayern Munich man over the weekend.

Boateng, 32, will depart the Bavarians this summer after a decade’s service. Having joined after one injury-ravaged season with Manchester City, the centre-back has made 355 appearances in all competitions for Bundesliga giants. He’s also won a host of trophies, including two Champions League titles.

His exit at the Allianz Arena comes as something of a surprise given his fellow defender David Alaba is also leaving on a free. But with Dayot Upamecano having already signed, the France defender appears ready to form a new-look backline with Niklas Sule.

Boateng himself is not sure short of suitors. It was reported earlier this year that Thomas Tuchel wants to bring him to Chelsea this summer.

However, Spurs were touted as potential suitors just last week.

Bild journalist Christian Falk believes he is ‘at the top of the list’ for many clubs, including Tottenham.

The report adds that Jose Mourinho ‘would like to strengthen his defence’ and sees the veteran as an option. They, alongside Borussia Dortmund, were both regarded as one of two options to sign Boateng.

Jose Mourinho thinks Manchester United's Paul Pogba should have been sent off

Jose Mourinho thinks Manchester United's Paul Pogba should have been sent off

Jose Mourinho says Paul Pogba perhaps should have been shown a red card for an elbow on Serge Aurier during Tottenham's 3-1 defeat to Manchester United in the Premier League.

However, Sky Deutschland transfer expert, Max Bielefeld, claims Boateng is expected to sign for Spurs, having ruled Dortmund out the equation. 

According to Bielefeld, Mourinho’s side have held ‘concrete talks’ with Boateng’s representatives over the last few days.

Spurs are reportedly set to offer the 32-year-old a two-year deal with the option of a third season.


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Boateng open to Premier League return

Boateng’s time in the Premier League wasn’t a huge success last time around. However, as he admitted in an interview last summer, he would consider returning if the right opportunity presented itself.

Thomas Muller, Jerome Boateng

“I would not say no,” Boateng told The Guardian. “I loved it when I was there. For me it was really unlucky because I got injured straight away and then I didn’t really play the position they promised me.

“But I still took a lot from playing in the Premier League. It helped me a lot to play and train with great players. I am definitely down for it, but I don’t know for the future.

“You never know. But it’s not that I would say: ‘I never want to play there.’ It’s one of my favourite leagues for sure.”

The signing of Boateng will likely increase speculation that Tottenham are willing to listen to offers for Davinson Sanchez.

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