Tottenham follow familiar route as Premier League star becomes top target

Tottenham have identified Southampton defender Jannik Vestergaard as a major target as they prioritise strengthening their backline in the summer, a report claims.

Vestergaard has been a steady presence for Southampton since joining from Borussia Monchengladbach in 2018. He has more than 60 Premier League appearances to his name.

Injuries have prevented his progress at times, but when available, he has been useful. Therefore, he is being eyed by bigger clubs.

Tottenham are no strangers to Southampton after luring Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg from them in the summer. And after the success of that move, they could follow a similar route.

According to the Daily Mirror, strengthening at centre-back is Tottenham’s main priority for the summer. Now, Jose Mourinho has identified Vestergaard as a potential target.

Vestergaard could join another former Southampton star, Toby Alderweireld, at the back. Eric Dier has been replaced as the Belgian’s main partner by Davinson Sanchez, but doubts remain about the latter’s future too.

Hence, Vestergaard could move to London to reinforce Mourinho’s backline.

Jose Mourinho: I was wrong over Eric Dier comments

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Tottenham admire the Denmark international for his ability to play on either side of a centre-back pairing. His flexibility could see him thrive with different defensive partners as Mourinho settles on a favoured formula.

It is not yet clear how much Tottenham would be willing to bid – nor the kind of price Southampton would ask for.

Vestergaard is out of contract in 2022, so unless Saints can agree an extension, they may be vulnerable to cut-price bids.

Tottenham told to axe defender

Eric Dier TEAMtalk

One pundit recently commented on Spurs’ defensive situation, with Gabriel Agbonlahor insisting that Eric Dier should be dropped.

He told Football Insider: “I’ve never really rated Eric Dier as a centre-half.

“I look at him and he’s the perfect centre-half I would have loved to have played against. You can get in the channels, get in behind him – he hasn’t got the pace.

“He’s decent on the ball but he hasn’t got the pace.”

It seems Tottenham will be acting in the summer by bringing in a more reliable option at the back.

READ MOREMourinho touches on Tottenham squad issues