Tottenham transfers: Fabrizio Romano confirms cashing in on massive strength will lead to huge defensive fix

Transfer insider Fabrizio Romano claims that Tottenham might only be able to push forward with their move for a top centre-back target this summer if they cash in on talisman Harry Kane.

Bayern Munich are said to have held further talks with Spurs over the big-money transfer of the England skipper on Monday, although reports suggest they have since flown home without any agreement reached.

Daniel Levy has been defiant over his stance on the club’s all-time leading goalscorer, refusing to sell the 30-year-old for less than £100million.

And while Kane wants to move on this summer he’s refused to officially ask for a transfer so as not to ruin his legacy in north London.

Levy has a difficult decision to make, however, with the forward out of contract next summer and available to walk away on a free transfer.

That leaves the Spurs chairman either accepting a lower offer for Kane now or letting him leave in a year’s time with not a penny coming into the club.

But with defensive additions to Ange Postecoglou’s squad of paramount importance, Romano claims that Kane’s sale is vital to any more incomings.

Postecoglou wants at least one new central defender through the door before the summer window shuts, with Bayer Leverkusen’s Edmond Tapsoba and Wolfsburg star Micky van de Ven still his top two targets.

And Romano has given an update on the chances of landing the former, who is considered a more Premier League-ready option than the Dutchman.

The only problem is that the Burkino Faso international could go for a fee as high as £50m this summer, with Leverkusen upping their asking price.

Indeed, Leverkusen’s managing director, Simon Rolfes, insisted last week that the Bundesliga club would not consider letting Tapsoba leave under ‘normal circumstances’, especially given that he has a long contract with the club.

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Kane sale likely critical to defensive fix

And Romano states that Spurs might need the cash influx from Kane’s sale to push ahead with a move for the Leverkusen star.

When asked about Tottenham’s pursuit of Tapsoba, he told GiveMeSport: “Tottenham are still in contact with people close to the player at Bayer Leverkusen.

“And so, I think it could depend also on Harry Kane. In the case Harry Kane leaves, and they have big money to invest in the market, Tapsoba could be realistic, otherwise, it could be difficult.”

Postecoglou will be desperate for the whole Kane saga to come to a conclusion quickly in the hope of being given sufficient time to find a replacement and strengthen his defence.

Indeed, Tottenham have looked shaky defensively again during their two pre-season outings so far, having conceded 63 Premier League goals last season.

The Australian will get to watch his new side in action again on Sunday when Spurs host Shakhtar Donetsk in their penultimate pre-season game.

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