Extensive scouting leads Tottenham to consider late raid for defender
Tottenham chief scout Steve Hitchen has reportedly been watching a former target this month as Spurs consider a late January bid.
The winter transfer window shuts on February 1, with Jose Mourinho yet to add to his squad this month.
But that could all change if the north London club follow up their interest in Norwich star Max Aarons.
Spurs have been chasing the young defender for more than a year. But they ended up bringing in Matt Doherty in a £15million deal from Wolves instead.
However, Hitchens was spotted at Norwich’s clash against Bristol City in midweek – with Aarons reportedly on his radar again, as cited by sportslens.
The 21-year-old is still rated in the £20m bracket despite performing in the Championship now.
Aarons, who has three years remaining on his contract, was also courted by Bayern Munich during the summer.
While playing mainly as a right-back, Aarons also has the ability to switch sides – something that is a useful option for Mourinho.
The main question mark surrounds the number of right-back options already available to the Portuguese.
Serge Aurier has been first choice this season, with Doherty struggling to replicate his Wolves form so far. Highly-rated centre-back Japhet Tanganga can also play full-back.
To that end, it remains to be seen whether Tottenham will splash out £20m on another squad man.
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Napoli star also on Tottenham radar
Tottenham are reportedly keen on Napoli defender Nikola Maksimovic and would match his wage demands to get a deal over the line.
Maksimovic, 29, has been with the Italian club since 2016 but rarely commanded a regular starting berth. He managed 20 Serie A starts in 2019-20 but has barely featured his term, with just seven league appearances.
The Serbia international seems primed for a move away from Naples and Spurs are poised to pounce. He has only played 55 times in the league and spent the second half of the 2017-28 campaign with Spartak Moscow.
Maksimovic will fall out of contract in the summer. He will then be available on a free transfer and it might be that Spurs bide their time. Read more…
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