According to The Telegraph, Tottenham are interested in signing RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol, who is keen to join Liverpool at some point.
What’s the story?
Well, it is said that Spurs have shortlisted three defenders as Fabio Paratici looks to bring young centre-backs to Hotspur Way.
In addition to Gvardiol, Sven Botman and Alessandro Bastoni find themselves on Tottenham’s shortlist.
Spurs signed Rodrigo Bentancur and Dejan Kulusevski in January, and nearly sealed deals for Adama Traore and Luis Diaz as well.
Unfortunately, there were no additions in the centre-back department, an area where Antonio Conte needs some more quality.
As things stand, the Italian can choose from Eric Dier, Cristian Romero, Ben Davies, Davinson Sanchez, Joe Rodon and Japhet Tanganga.
So far this season, Gvardiol has been a key man for RB Leipzig, making 27 appearances while scoring two goals and providing two assists.
Tottenham must be wary of Liverpool
Spurs have already been burned by Liverpool recently.
According to The Telegraph, Tottenham had agreed a deal for Luis Diaz, only for the Reds to hijack negotiations and steal the Colombian.
Now, the same could happen if Spurs agree a deal for Gvardiol.
The 9-cap Croatia international – who has been likened to Real Madrid’s David Alaba – admitted in 2021 that he’d like to join Liverpool.
Speaking to 24hr Sata, the €19m (£16m) man said: “From a young age, I watched Liverpool games with my dad and I grew up with just them. When I took football more seriously, I started following them, and I definitely want the Premier League and Liverpool move one day.”
Now, this may not be an issue for Spurs if they move quickly.
Right now, the Reds have so many options at centre-back that even Joe Gomez isn’t getting any action – the England international has played just 15 minutes of Premier League football this season.
Even Ibrahima Konate – signed from RB Leipzig for £36m in May – is struggling for playing time, making just seven Premier League starts.
Therefore, if Tottenham move for Gvardiol this summer, then there’s a good chance Liverpool won’t embarrass them again.
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