It is no secret that Tottenham Hotspur are in the market for a central defender to replace Jan Vertonghen, who looks set to leave when his deal expires on Sunday.
The Lilywhites have leaked goals for fun this season, as they have conceded more goals than Manchester United, Sheffield United and Premier League champions Liverpool so far.
According to the Daily Mail, Beijing Guoan defender Kim Min-jae is of ‘big interest’ to Spurs. Tottenham have been linked with Kim for a while now, as recent reports revealed that the Chinese club have now named their asking price.
The Evening Standard claimed that Daniel Levy will have to pay at least £15m if he wants to prise him away from the Chinese Super League. Kim has been touted to leave China in the summer, amid interest from Liverpool.
Talks between the two sides are still ongoing, as Spurs are confident that they can get a deal completed in a matter of weeks.
While there had been concerns that the north London club would have to let key players leave this summer, Levy has told Jose Mourinho that they will not be sold in the transfer window. Clubs are operating in unprecedented circumstances but the Spurs chairman will back his manager in the market to make the improvements that he needs before the start of next season.
Who should replace Jan Vertonghen?
Kim Min-jae
Stefan Savic
Vertonghen is seemingly set to make a shock switch to Manchester City, while questions remain over Juan Foyth’s future at the club.
Kim, who is nicknamed ‘Monster’, has earned 30 caps for his country, receiving a gold medal at the 2018 Asian Games for his efforts, which gave him certain military privileges as a result (via The Guardian).
The South Korean is an imposing figure at the heart of any defence, standing at 1.9m in height, so it is easy to understand why Mourinho wants to sign the 23-year-old in the summer.
Mourinho wanted to bring Harry Maguire to Old Trafford during his time in charge of Manchester United and, while that move failed to materialise, Kim shares similar physical attributes.
At a mere £15m, he should be more than affordable for Spurs, but that price may be bumped up if a transfer battle ensues in the summer.
Tottenham fans, should Daniel Levy sign Kim in the summer? Let us know in the comments below!
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