Tottenham Hotspur are looking to bolster their backline ahead of the new season and have reportedly held talks to sign Southampton centre-back Jannik Vestergaard.
Vestergaard, who is in the final year of his contract, would be available for more than £18 million, according to the Times.
The 28-year-old has been a permanent fixture in the Saints’ defence since his arrival in 2018, making 79 appearances in all competitions. He has also been instrumental in Denmark’s run to the semi-finals of Euro 2020.
But Tottenham are not the only team interested in securing Vestergaard’s services, with clubs in Spain, Germany and Italy also keeping tabs on the towering Dane.
Would Jannik Vestergaard be the ideal defensive addition to Tottenham Hotspur?
Tottenham’s free-flowing attack last season was offset by their leaky backline. They conceded the most goals (45) among Big Six sides, which contributed to their lowly seventh-place finish. If they are to harbour any hopes of returning to the top four and earning a Champions League spot, that’s an area new manager Nuno Espirito Santo must address in the summer.
Tottenham Hotspur are in talks to sign Southampton defender Jannik Vestergaard. [The Times] #THFC pic.twitter.com/vmdwZk9hi1
— Talking THFC (@TalkingTHFC) July 5, 2021
With Toby Alderweireld entering the final year of his contract and pushing for a move away, and Joe Rodon and Davinson Sanchez facing uncertain futures at White Hart Lane, Tottenham desperately need defensive reinforcements.
Vestergaard might fit the bill. The Dane is a towering presence in the air and also a great ball-winner. He won 3.3 aerial duels per game last season, more than any player currently at Spurs, and also averaged 1.7 tackles and 1.4 interceptions. According to WhoScored, the former Werder Bremen defender ranked as Southampton’s third-best player with an average rating of 6.89.
Moreover, he is still only 28 and has plenty of top-level football left in him. Considering his contract will expire next summer, Southampton will likely be willing to offload him now rather than run the risk of losing him for free.
If Vestergaard does make the move to Spurs, he could link up with his international teammate Joachim Andersen, who is also on Nuno’s list of top targets. The Lyon defender spent last season on loan at Fulham and was one of their bright spots in a dismal campaign that culminated in relegation.
