Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly interested in signing Lyon centre-back Jason Denayer in the upcoming summer transfer window.
According to Fichajes, Tottenham have identified five players to target in the summer transfer window as part of a major overhaul. The north London club are in desperate need of reinforcements to challenge for silverware under Antonio Conte, who has expressed his displeasure over the club’s lack of activity in the January transfer window.
They could also lose their biggest star in Harry Kane. He flirted with a move to Manchester City last summer before Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy refused to enter into negotiations with the Cityzens. But things could be much different this summer, and a lot would depend on how Spurs shape up ahead of the next season to give both Conte and Kane a shot at silverware.
Among the five shortlisted players is Lyon’s centre-back Jason Denayer. The Belgian international is in the final year of his contract with the French side and is free to move on a Bosman deal in the upcoming summer window.
Denayer established himself in the Lyon side following his 2018 move from Manchester City. The defender spent five seasons with the Premier League giants, but could not make a single appearance for their first team. He was also sent out on multiple loans before earning a permanent move to Lyon, where he has shined.
Since joining the Ligue 1 side in 2018, Denayer has made 136 appearances for the club. Adept at playing in a back-three, the 26-year-old has yet to pick up a red card in his senior career, which has spanned over nine years. He is also an assured passer of the ball, which could make him a crucial component of Conte’s system at Spurs should the move go through.
Tottenham also have a fairly young defensive line, with all the central defenders in their squad, except Eric Dier, 25 years or below. Denayer would thus add some experience to the Spurs defence. He also has previous experience of playing in the Premier League with Sunderland, which would come in handy as well.
But Tottenham might face competition from Real Madrid and Barcelona for his signature. The Belgian international is not the only centre-back Tottenham are courting. Inter’s Milan Skriniar, who has previously played under Conte, is also on their radar.
As far as the rest of Spurs’ transfer wishlist is concerned, Barcelona forward Memphis Depay, Marseille midfielder Boubacar Kamara and Lille striker Jonathan David are also part of it. It will be interesting to see if the Lilywhites are able to capture the services of any of the five players come summer.
