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Tottenham Hotspur will be in the market for a new defender this summer, with Jan Vertonghen set to leave on a free transfer.

There have been a host of names linked with moves to Spurs. The latest of which is Kim Min-jae, who could join to compete with Davinson Sanchez, Toby Alderweireld and Eric Dier at centre back.

Kim, who plays for Beijing Guoan, is wanted by Spurs according to The Sunday Mirror (21/06, p72), with Tottenham leading the race.

That report stated that Son Heung-min could help Tottenham win the battle for international teammate Kim, who would cost around £13.5million.

A big and strong centre back who also loves to go on marauding runs forward, Kim has earned comparisons to Harry Maguire for his style of play – even if his actual quality is short of the Manchester United star right now.

At 23 though, Kim has room to grow. His price tag isn’t extortionate, and Jose Mourinho may like the character the South Korean star brings.

Kim may be available after something of a spat at Beijing Guoan. As quoted by South China Morning Post, he criticised his Beiijng Guoan defensive Yu Dabao and Wang Gang, suggesting that neither of them can defend, limiting his chance to go forward.

“My partner is a national player of the Chinese national team, but he is indeed a striker. Although he is no longer the main force of the national team, but it still feels a bit weird. He actually doesn’t know how to defend,” said Kim.

“I still have to make up for the full-back, and I have no time to attack,” he added, noting that he no longer has the chance to drive forward.

These comments mean Kim isn’t exactly popular at Beijing Guoan now, and he was asked to apologise last month, but Mourinho may be the type of manager to appreciate him holding his teammates accountable.

Mourinho wanted Maguire at United, and may see similar traits in Kim. The South Korean has a strong appreciation for defending but also for going forward, and his outspoken nature could be appealing.