New suitors emerge for Tottenham target who Southampton will ‘protect’

Tottenham may have competition if they want to sign Southampton’s Jannik Vestergaard this summer, with Roma now said to be keen.

Spurs have been linked with the 28-year-old for some time. And last month reports suggested the north Londoners were set to step up their efforts to land the defender. The giant stopper player down speculation, suggesting his focus in on Saints.

“I can only say that of course it’s always a pat on the back with stories of interest from other big clubs,” Vestergaard told Tipsbladet. “But right now I have a contract with Southampton so, it’s not something I can talk about.”

But now, according to a report from Tuttomercatoweb, there are fresh suitors for the Denmark international. The Giallorossi have struggled defensively in 2020-2021.

They have conceded 44 Serie A goals to date – the most of any side in the top eight. Paulo Fonseca has been tipped to try and solve the issue during the summer transfer window.

And Vestergaard’s name has now been mentioned in connection with the Eternal City outfit. It is not known whether Southampton would be willing to sell the centre-back this summer.

And manager Ralph Hasenhuttl has made his feelings clear on the matter.

“It’s nothing new for our players that do a good job for us this season, that they are on the list for some bigger clubs,” he told reporters last week. “You can be sure that this player has a contract for Southampton and for as long as he has this he is our player. We will do everything to keep him here and to protect him for everything.”

Vestergaard has one season of his contract left to run after penning a four-year deal in 2018. He has made 65 top-flight appearances for the south-coast club to date and 70 in all competitions.

Price set for Vestergaard signature

With finances tight at clubs around the world, it may be a subdued summer window. Instead of clubs targeting players for £60-£70m, they may set their sights a bit lower.

And Vestergaard’s price tag of around £18m would certainly appeal to many. It seems certain that other clubs will enter the picture as the summer approaches.

Former Arsenal and England defender Martin Keown feels he would be a perfect fit for Liverpool. But with Virgil van Dijk set to return, there may no path to the Anfield back four.

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