Tottenham Hotspur are running out of options increasingly fast and Everton’s surprise snapping up of in-demand centre-half Michael Keane ahead of everyone else has given them all the more reason to make a move and fast.
Though Mauricio Pochettino has a perfectly balanced back four, who have proven their solidity against the fiercest of attacks in the Premier League over the past two seasons, the possible departure of second-choice Kevin Wimmer has called for a potential replacement at the back now. The Austrian international had a disappointing season in the Premier League last season and if not for Eric Dier, Spurs would have been in deep waters.
The manager has reportedly decided to let the centre-half go for something in the region of £20 million. And although the fee does deter some of his suitors, lack of quality centre-halves will surely force other clubs to go for him. Pochettino had faced a big crisis last season during Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld’s recurring injuries and he would definitely want to avoid it.
And if reports are to be believed, they are now weighing up a move for Middlesbrough’s young centre-half Ben Gibson as a replacement. The 24-year-old English player has been second on the list of top defenders that surfaced last season and now seems like the perfect time for him to step up.
In Pochettino, Gibson would have a great coach who knows to bring the best out of young talents and Gibson would be a great understudy playing below Vertonghen and Alderweireld. The duo is widely considered as the best central defensive partnership in the Premier League and Gibson’s calm and composed defending will get an upgrade watching them.
Boro have slapped a price tag of £25 million on their player, and Spurs’ willingness to get an English player makes it interesting. Apart from Keane, Spurs have also targeted Alfie Mawson from Swansea City, yet another Englishman.
Despite being only 24, Gibson has been the primary choice for both Aitor Karanka and Steven Agnew. Boro were one of the toughest sides to crack in the league last season and it was their lack of attacking edge that led to their drop. The Teesside conceded only 53 goals, which was fewer than many sides that conceded more and survived relegation like Watford, Burnley, Swansea City, Crystal Palace, West Ham United, Leicester City.
The Boro academy product has been on numerous loan stints with lower tier clubs like Plymouth, York City and Tranmere Rovers. Before he broke into the first team.
