Tottenham are reportedly keen on Ajax’s Joel Veltman and Borussia Dortmund’s Matthias Ginter.
Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino
Tottenham Hotspur will be in the market for new signings this summer, with manager Mauricio Pochettino looking to strengthen his squad after finishing second in the Premier League.
Whilst fans will hope for attacking reinforcements, Pochettino may also have to look at boosting his defence, given question marks over the futures of Kevin Wimmer and Kyle Walker.
Wimmer may seek a move away from the club in search of first-team football, whilst Sky Sports understand that Walker’s possible move to Manchester City could take a big step forward this week.
As a result, Tottenham will look for defensive help – and the London Evening Standard report that Spurs are looking at Borussia Dortmund’s Matthias Ginter and Ajax’s Joel Veltman.
Ginter, 23, has been in and out of the Dortmund side since his 2014 move from Freiburg, and Spurs have allegedly scouted him ahead of a possible £17.5million swoop for the German international.
Borussia Dortmund’s Matthias Ginter and PAOK Salonika’s Giorgos Tzavellas in action
Meanwhile, 25-year-old Veltman has come up through the famed Ajax academy, making more than 150 appearances for the Amsterdam club – but with just a year left on his deal, Spurs could land him for only £8million.
The two players share one key attribute; versatility. Both players can play at centre back or right back, whilst Ginter has the added bonus of having some experience in holding midfield too, offering flexibility to Pochettino.
Ajax’s Joel Veltman in action with Manchester United’s Henrikh Mkhitaryan
Pochettino has used 4-2-3-1 and 3-4-2-1 systems with Spurs, and having a player like Ginter or Veltman would allow him to switch between the formations whilst still using one of them, either as part of a three-man defence or sliding them other to play at right back in a four-man back line.
Spurs targeting both players suggests that Pochettino is prioritising versatility in a defensive signing, with either Ginter or Veltman able to fill in should Walker and Wimmer leave this summer – and that could be a smart approach from the Tottenham boss.
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