Tottenham are reportedly in an eight-team battle for Rennes ace Joris Gnagnon.
Joris Gnagnon in action for Rennes
According to French outlet SFR Sport, Tottenham Hotspur have enquired about signing Rennes defender Joris Gnagnon – but face competition from seven clubs.
Spurs have mostly used a three-man defence this season, featuring Eric Dier, Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen, and that setup allowed them to boast the Premier League’s meanest back line with just 26 goals conceded in 38 games.
Tottenham may yet need to be in the market for another centre back though, given that Kevin Wimmer will be angling for first-team football after another frustrating season, and Cameron Carter-Vickers is inexperienced and injured.
Now, SFR Sport report that Tottenham have in fact made their first move for Rennes defender Joris Gnagnon, though their pursuit of the centre back won’t be straightforward.
Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino and Chelsea manager Antonio Conte
Gnagnon, 20, has progressed in the Rennes ranks following a 2014 move from FC Montfermeil, and he earned rave reviews in his 27 Ligue 1 appearances this season.
Despite being born in France, Gnagnon has recently decided to switch his international allegiance to play for the Ivory Coast, and he could yet make another move this summer.
PSG striker Edinson Cavani in action as Joris Gnagnon watches on
It’s claimed that whilst Spurs have enquired about signing the 6ft tall centre back, so have Borussia Dortmund, Borussia Monchengladbach, Bayer Leverkusen, Chelsea, Porto and Inter Milan, whilst Sevilla have offered €13million (£11.25million) for his signature.
Spurs may therefore have to beat Sevilla’s offer if they are to land Gnagnon this summer, with the promising young defender certainly fitting the bill of a Tottenham signing under Mauricio Pochettino due to his huge potential.
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