Tottenham close in on first January deal as £25m transfer talks opened
Tottenham are ready to push the button on the signing of 21-year-old Genoa central defender Radu Dragusin after talks with Nice over Jean-Clair Todibo hit the rocks.
Spurs had also held positive discussions with the Frenchman's entourage but Nice aren't keen on selling mid-season as they sit second in Ligue 1 and that is likely to prompt a frustrating and lengthy winter transfer saga. But Ange Postecoglou wants a new centre-back through the door as soon as next week and Tottenham have now switched attention to Romanian international Dragusin.
There has also been interest from Newcastle, AC Milan, Napoli and Atalanta but Spurs are believed to be at the front of the queue as Dragusin has already given the move his seal of approval.
Dragusin's agent Florin Manea has also publicly declared that a transfer to a top-six Premier League club would be of huge appeal, though they're also willing to extend the player's contract at Genoa if his exit does not materialise.
Manea told Sportitalia: "In my opinion, if he leaves Genoa, he must do so for a very important team. I’m talking about one of the top five or six in the Premier League, the top in Italy like Inter or Milan. I mention these names as examples, not to say that they have interest. They are very strong teams, and we would be happy if they were interested in him. Let’s see, now we’re thinking about working."
Manchester United could now receive a free run at Todibo and any deal would be made easier by INEOS' recent arrival at Old Trafford as they also own French club Nice.
Meanwhile, Tottenham are yet to contact Chelsea over a deal for Conor Gallagher despite suggestions the two clubs had entered talks over a shock transfer.
Chelsea will listen to offers ahead of next month's
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