Tottenham have rejected a £15million bid from Stoke City for defender Kevin Wimmer, according to the Telegraph.
The newspaper claim that Stoke have become the third Premier League club to table a formal offer for the Austria international, 24, following West Brom and Crystal Palace.
The Telegraph report that Wimmer, who joined from Koln in the summer of 2015 for £4,3million, is likely to leave White Hart Lane before next Thursday’s transfer deadline.
Good move for Tottenham?
Wimmer could yet develop into a commanding centre-back but Spurs will have pulled off a stunning deal if they can secure more than an £11million profit in two years on a player who is some way off their first team. The defender reads the game well and makes up for his lack of mobility with a strong physical presence, but his confidence noticeably drops when he makes errors. And, as Spurs fans will tell you, he has made too many of them for comfort. The stampede of interest in someone who is little more than a fringe player is testament to the defensive riches at Mauricio Pochettino’s disposal. It is also indicative of the paucity of top-quality centre-backs.
This Is Futbol rating: 8/10
Likely to happen?
Not necessarily to Stoke, but it is hard to see Wimmer at Tottenham beyond next Thursday. He is down the pecking order, has spoken of his frustration at his big-part status and a blue-chip replacement has arrived in the shape of Davinson Sanchez. Given that there is now an auction for Wimmer’s services, Spurs are in a strong negotiating position. The sense is Wimmer will get his move but it could still be to one of the three clubs pushing hard to sign him.
This Is Futbol rating: 6/10