Tottenham Hotspur have made a slow start to the summer transfer window as Mauricio Pochettino is yet to complete a first-team signing for the season. But they are now extensively linked with a move for Real Madrid midfielder Mateo Kovacic, to try and improve their squad for the challenges that lie ahead.
Spanish news outfit Don Balon has now reported that Tottenham Hotspur are monitoring the situation of the Croatian midfielder and that Pochettino is looking to make a bid for him in the coming days. The 23-year old has failed to establish himself in the first team at the Bernabeu since his move to the club back in 2015 and is now reportedly looking for a new club to gain some first team opportunities.
Also wanted by the twin Milan clubs and their local challenger Napoli, Kovacic is one of the most reliable midfielders in world football at the moment but he has failed to impress Zinedine Zidane, the Real Madrid manager, to cement a place in the starting XI. And with the Spanish side spending on Dani Ceballos, he is expected to fall further down the pecking order, making him search for a move.
It is understood that the Spurs are looking at him as a backup option for Everton midfielder Ross Barkley, who could cost up to £50m. so is Kovacic a decent option for Pochettino?
Known for his strength and intelligence in his game, Kovacic is a smart player, who constantly searches for space in the middle of the field. With exceptional dribbling abilities and even better vision, he is adept at creating chances from a deeper role but he is also more than capable of acting as the first line of defence, in front of the back four.
He has to work on his aerial strength but his technical ability more than makes up for it. If he moves to London, he is expected to walk into the first team, adding some creativity and solidity to the midfield for the Spurs.
Belgian star Mousa Dembele has now turned 30 and may not have the legs to play twice a week while Victor Wanyama needs to more effective in attack. Eric Dier is still not a first team option in Pochettino’s mind while Harry Winks, though showing great promise, is not expected to first choice next season.
This means that Kovacic will be the first choice midfielder for the manager and at just 23, the German is a long term solution to the midfield problem for the club. But do you think he is the right man for Pochettino?
