Journalist Fabrizio Romano has claimed that Josko Gvardiol is a defender who is highly appreciated by those at Tottenham Hotspur.
There were reports last month stating Tottenham were interested in bringing Gvardiol to the Premier League this summer, though it was believed that the defender was not for sale.
Gvardiol was a regular in the Leipzig team last season, making 46 appearances in all competitions – six of which were in the Champions League – while his current contract is not set to expire until 2026.
Romano spoke to GiveMeSport and claimed that a deal to Spurs would be difficult because Leipzig are not willing to budge on their ‘crazy’ asking price for him.
He said: “Gvardiol’s always been super appreciated by Tottenham and also by Chelsea because also Chelsea are big fans of Gvardiol. But at the moment, Leipzig have no intention to negotiate for a normal fee.
“They want a crazy fee to let Gvardiol leave this summer, so it will be difficult.”
Do Spurs need more than one defender?Yes
No
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TIF Thoughts on Romano’s comments…
Spurs have already made four signings this summer, but they are yet to bring in any central defenders, which was an area of the pitch that they were particularly short in last year, with Ben Davies having to play the majority of the season on the left of a back three to suit Antonio Conte’s system.
Clement Lenglet is reportedly close to joining Spurs on loan from Barcelona this summer, but even then, Conte might still want to bring in another central defender, especially with Spurs qualifying for the Champions League next season as he will need strength in depth throughout the squad. But with Leipzig appearing stubborn over their defender’s future, that deal does not look likely to happen in this window.