Tottenham reportedly want a bargain fee of just £8.75m for Japhet Tanganga ahead of the January window, a player that Aston Villa were considering in the summer – and Unai Emery should reignite that interest and bring him to Villa.
Tanganga, 23, is struggling for game time at Spurs under Antonio Conte. Having broken into the side under Jose Mourinho and playing regularly under Nuno Espirito Santo, he is now deemed an outcast after the arrival of Conte.
This season, the versatile defender has managed just one appearance – coming on as a substitute against Marseille. Italian outlet CMW claim that Milan want to sign the defender. Spurs are requesting a bargain fee of just £8.75million.
Back in the summer, Tanganga’s name was being linked with a number of Premier League clubs. Italian journalist Gianluca Longari even reported towards the end of the summer window that Villa had made contact over a deal.
Tottenham want £8.75m for Tanganga: Emery should bring him to Villa
Villa need defensive additions. Upon joining the club, Emery will have made it clear to the Villa board that defenders will be key in the January window. That is, with Diego Carlos currently sidelined thanks to a long-term ankle injury.
The club did sign Jan Bednarek from Southampton, but he is hardly the answer. Tyrone Mings and Ezri Konsa have shown poor form at times this season. Calum Chambers is a good option – but as a squad player.
Villa lack cover for Matty Cash and need strengthening in the middle of the defence, then. But having spent a lot of cash on the likes of Carlos in the summer, money might be tight-ish in January. So, Tanganga fits what Villa need.
A player that offers cover on the right, improves their options in the middle. A homegrown player at a young age, proven in the Premier League – all for a bargain of less than £10million. It should be a no-brainer for Emery.
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