Star suggests he would jump at chance to join West Ham or Tottenham

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Bayer Leverkusen defender Jonathan Tah has reiterated his Premier League ‘goal’ as West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur continue to be linked with the sky-scraping Germany international. 

A fortnight ago, the £15 million release clause in Jonathan Tah’s contract expired. As sporting director Simon Rolfes pointed out, Bayer Leverkusen were now able to demand a far larger fee for their long-serving centre-half. 

But if any bids were to arrive for Tah this summer, surely they would have done already, when the former Hamburg ace was available for less than £20 million. 

The likes of West Ham, Tottenham and Liverpool have all been linked, via Kicker and 90Min, but appear to be focusing on alternative options for the time being. And perhaps it is the fear of missing out on a move that is motivating Tah to issue to least subtle ‘come and get me plea’ since Peter Odemwingie shacked up in the QPR car park. 

Tottenham and West Ham looking elsewhere

“The market is still open. Anything can happen. Of course, I’m aware of what I have here. I appreciate it very much. But I am also open to other things,” Tah tells BILD. 

“The club and I have always communicated openly and very well. We will see what happens in the next few weeks.

“I’ve attracted interest from elsewhere, but it has always been my goal to play in the Premier League because I think it is the best league in the world. And to play at that level is obviously attractive to me. 
 
“I’m 27 now. I’ve been here for many years, and I’ve developed. I have the feeling that maybe, if I go to another league, I can take another step forward in my personal development.” 

West Ham are currently prioritising a midfielder after the protracted departure of Declan Rice to Arsenal. Liverpool are spending their time attempting to free Romeo Lavia from the shackles of Southampton. 

And while Tottenham are very much in the market for centre-halves – as confirmed with typical frankness by Ange Postecoglou – the priority remains left-footers rather than right-footers. Hence Spurs’ interest in Tah’s Leverkusen team-mate – and defensive southpaw – Edmond Tapsoba.