Tottenham are reportedly eyeing Bournemouth defender Adam Smith as a possible summer replacement for Kyle Walker
Italian publication Calciomercato have reported that Tottenham are interested in signing academy graduate Adam Smith back from Bournemouth in the summer, as replacement for Kyle Walker who is being linked with a departure from White Hart Lane.
Smith progressed through the ranks at Tottenham before making his competitive first-team debut in the 2011/12 season. However, he didn’t have a flourishing career with the North London club and he was sent on a string of loan spells to several lower division clubs before he sealed a permanent move to Bournemouth.
Smith’s career has taken off ever since he joined Bournemouth in 2014. The move to the Vitality Stadium has, in fact, benefited him immensely as he has slowly evolved into one of the most consistent defenders in the Premier League.
He has especially been impressive going forward as his tally of five assists in the Premier League this season is the best for among defenders in 2016/17. Another right-back, Kyle Walker, has the same number of assists and has been a stalwart for Tottenham for the last few seasons.
However, despite being one of the most instrumental figures for Tottenham, it is looking likely that the England international will be leaving the North London club in the summer. That is because he has had to share game time with Kieran Trippier this season, which is something that has not gone down well with him.
He has reportedly held showdown talks with Mauricio Pochettino and a summer move looms large, with Manchester City the favourites to land him. If Walker indeed ends up moving to away from Tottenham in the summer, Pochettino will be in need of a top quality right-back.
He has, thus, set his sights on Smith over a move in the summer transfer window. And even though the 26-year-old might not be one of the best right-backs in the world, he has all the ingredients to succeed under Pochettino.
Not only is Smith adept in his primary duties at the back but, alongside Trippier and Walker, he is also one of the most exciting defenders in the final third. With Pochettino banking on contributions from his full-backs in his system at Tottenham, Smith would fit in seamlessly.
Additionally, he shouldn’t have any qualms sharing game time with Trippier. And while Pochettino would definitely prefer keeping hold of Walker, Smith presents himself as a worthy enough contingency plan to pursue in the summer.
