Tottenham line-up triple deal as Mourinho looks to strengthen spine

Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho is looking to strengthen the spine of his team by making three signings this summer, according to reports.

First up is providing some stronger competition for skipper Hugo Lloris, with a report in The Sun claiming that Spurs are ready to make a shock raid on Watford for Ben Foster.

The former England stopper has been outstanding for a struggling Hornets side this season but is available on a free transfer at the end of the campaign.

The 36-year-old is already able to speak to foreign clubs about a move this summer, but the report adds that Tottenham are hoping Foster will opt to remain in London and challenge Lloris for a starting role.

The Frenchman has been beset by injury problems this season, missing Sunday’s defeat to Wolves with a groin issue having only just returned from months out with a dislocated shoulder.

Mourinho is said to be looking to upgrade the goalkeeping position as he is not fully convinced with back-up options, Paulo Gazzaniga and veteran Michel Vorm.

Meanwhile, another player being tipped to make a move to the north London club is Manchester United defender Chris Smalling.

The 30-year-old has had a brilliant season on loan at Roma, with the Serie A ready to pay £14million to seal a permanent deal this summer – although United want nearer to £17m.

One again, The Sun claims that Spurs are hoping to strike while the Italian outfit dithers over a deal, with Mourinho having managed Smalling during their time together at Old Trafford.

Smalling’s current United contract runs out in 2022 but with Jan Vertonghen and Juan Foyth expected to move on this summer, Mourinho wants a new centre-back at the club – and at a potential £17m, Smalling could be a steal.

And finally, the last player on Mourinho’s radar is said to be Southampton midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, with Tottenham receiving a double boost in their bid to land the Dane.

 

 

Spurs were linked with a move for the midfielder in January, however the Saints were unwilling to sell in the middle of the season.

But the Daily Star claims that the former Bayern Munich ace remains a priority for Mourinho though, as the Portuguese looks to stiffen up his midfield.

And Football Insider claims Tottenham have been boosted for two reasons in their pursuit of the 24-year-old Saints skipper.

It’s reported that Hojbjerg has knocked back Southampton’s attempts to extend his contract further than next summer.

The player has also appointed super-agent Pini Zahavi as his new representative, and it’s claimed that those two actions are a ‘clear sign’ that Hojbjerg is looking to secure a move this summer.

So it would appear that Mourinho has identified the need to strengthen his team centrally, although it remains to be seen if he will be given significant funds to do so if Spurs miss out on a Champions League spot this season.

Meanwhile, the agent of Sweden star Emil Forsberg has denied being surprised by the player’s links to Tottenham Hotspur, hinting an announcement on his future could be made soon. Read more…