- EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey
Tottenham Hotspur remain confident of signing Genoa defender Radu Dragusin despite new interest from Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich.
HITC Football understands that Tottenham are continuing talks to sign Radu Dragusin and remain confident of landing the Genoa star.
The two clubs are still talking, with Serie A side Genoa holding out for closer to €30m (£26million) whereas Spurs are, so far, not going beyond €25million (£21.5million).
Sources have now confirmed to us that Bayern Munich have asked about information on Dragusin – but as it stands it has not progressed much beyond that initial enquiry.
Bayern’s move is certainly not as advanced as Tottenham’s, who have agreed personal terms with the centre back.
Napoli also still having some contact but Tottenham remain at the head of the queue as things stand.
Deals can move quickly in the transfer window though and Tottenham will be wary of missing out on Dragusin as they haggle over a £4.5million difference in valuation.
Bayern have also spoken to Paris Saint-Germain about signing Nordi Mukiele as they ideally want someone who can fill in at right back too, something they have been missing since Benjamin Pavard left for Inter Milan over the summer.
Mukiele’s prior experience in German football with RB Leipzig will make him very appealing too, whilst offering versatility which Dragusin just doesn’t provide.
Bayern also still love Barcelona star Ronald Araujo and he is the priority for the summer – but his incoming would also have a knock-on effect on Matthijs De Ligt, with doubts emerging over his long-term Bayern future.
Radu Dragusin joining Harry Kane at Bayern Munich would sting for Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham have been really pushing to sign Dragusin for a couple of weeks now, identifying him as their top January target at centre back.
The Romanian is seen as the ideal player to come in and compete with both Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven, who have picked up injuries this term.
Dragusin is a real talent at just 21 and he certainly has the potential to become a star in the coming years.
Missing out on him would sting for Tottenham, but especially if the club hijacking their move ended up being Bayern Munich.
Spurs sold star man Harry Kane to Bayern in August, allowing their iconic goalscorer to head to Germany in search of big trophies.
Tottenham are trying to build a new side in a post-Kane landscape and adding top young talents like Dragusin is an exciting direction for Spurs.
The problem is that Bayern have major pulling power and the presence of a truly elite striker in Kane makes them even more appealing to players who can sense potential Champions League success.
Seeing Dragusin snub North London in favour of joining Kane in Bavaria would hurt, but Tottenham have to trust that their work will pay off and that they will actually sign the defender this month.
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