Leeds are reportedly one of four clubs looking to sign Tottenham defender Japhet Tanganga before the end of the transfer window – a player that Jonathan Woodgate is excited by, applauding his “aggression” and “strength”.
Tanganga, 23, has fallen down the pecking order at Tottenham under Antonio Conte. Spurs have the likes of Davinson Sanchez and Clement Lenglet as cover for the starting back three of Cristian Romero, Eric Dier and Ben Davies.
Joe Rodon has decided to leave on loan given the lack of game time, joining French club Rennes. Tanganga could now follow him. Reports claim Spurs want a loan-to-buy deal for the £21m-rated defender. Milan have been strongly linked.
But the latest report says that Milan are unwilling to include a permanent option. Everton, Leeds and Newcastle are among his suitors, too. In 2021, ex-Tottenham and Leeds defender Woodgate gave his verdict on Tanganga.
At Spurs, I like Japhet Tanganga. I think Nuno will try to forge a partnership between Eric Dier and Cristian Romero, but longer-term look out for Tanganga, who is aggressive, strong and quick,” Woodgate told the Mail, back in 2021.
Leeds looking to sign Tanganga: Woodgate excited by his aggression
Do Leeds really need another defender? They have signed Rasmus Kristensen at right-back, with Luke Ayling close to a return from injury. Cody Drameh starred at Cardiff City last season, and he remains at the club as a third option.
So, right-back is a position that does not require strengthening. It is a similar story at centre-back. Liam Cooper is fit. Diego Llorente and Robin Koch look solid at centre-back. Pascal Struijk is a fourth option, but is playing left-back.
Charlie Cresswell is a real talent in the Leeds ranks, as is Leo Hjelde. Hjelde remains at the club, while Cresswell is impressing out on loan at Millwall. So, Leeds have plenty of defensive options in Tanganga’s positions. Not needed.
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