Tottenham have opened direct talks with Genoa to find an agreement for defender Radu Dragusin, who remains keen on the move.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Tottenham and Genoa are holding direct talks for Radu Dragusin. Ange Postecoglou desperately seeks a defender early in the winter window, and the 21-year-old centre-back appears keen on the move to north London.
Tottenham closing on Radu Dragusin
Radu Dragusin’s name popped up in media reports after his agree reportedly visited London in a bid to hold talks with different clubs. Arsenal were mentioned as an early suitor, but those links have gone cold in the weeks since.
Tottenham have since seen links to the 21-year-old defender, with reports suggesting the north Londoners were preparing a bid for the Genoa defender. Fabrizio Romano has also ruled out the existence of a release clause earlier reported, meaning the Italian side could dictate their terms to sell the defender.
The Romanian defender reportedly likes the idea of joining Spurs and could push for the move to materialise. Spurs have reportedly held direct talks with Genoa to find an agreement, and later, Romano updated that Ange Postecoglou’s side are prepared to make their first verbal offer.
In the same update, Romano also insisted that a move for Jean-Clair Todibo could collapse as Postecoglou wants a new central defender as early as next week. Hence, the chances of Spurs agreeing a deal for Dragusin remains high at this point, as they will want the move wrapped up earlier in the week.
Why is Postecoglou desperate for a centre-back?
The injury to Micky van de Ven earlier in the season has seen the Dutchman miss a considerable number of games and not due back until probably February. Meanwhile, Cristian Romero could also sit a period on the sidelines with his injury, which leaves Postecoglou short of options at the back.
Tottenham had wanted Todibo on priority, but as Romano insisted, negotiations with OGC NIce could take a while. Moreover, Manchester United are better placed to beat Spurs for the Frenchman. Hence, with Postecoglou looking to bring someone quickly, the deal for Dragusin makes sense.
The fee for Dragusin will get more apparent in the coming period, although Tottenham will be mindful of spending big on the 21-year-old defender. For now, they appear poised to sign the Romanian from Genoa as soon as possible and wrap up a deal as early as in the next few days.