Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly keeping tabs on a Bundesliga centre-back who’s been compared to Bayern Munich star Matthijs de Ligt.
Spurs are expected to bolster Ange Postecoglou’s options in defence, particularly after centre-backs Eric Dier and Japhet Tanganga were released on Wednesday.
It leaves the Aussie with just three recognised centre-backs in the first-team squad while Ben Davies and Emerson Royal are also able to play centrally.
Doubts remain over Davies and Royal’s futures at the club though, with the latter keen on a switch to AC Milan this summer.
Should either of the duo depart, it will leave Tottenham needing reinforcements at full-back as well as central defence.
And according to The Sun, Postecoglou’s men are eyeing a move for a centre-back who is also able to play at left-back.
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Tottenham eyeing move for Hiroki Ito
The outlet reports that Spurs are keeping tabs on Stuttgart’s Hiroki Ito.
Ito was a key man for Stuttgart last season, helping the German outfit secure a surprise second-place finish in the Bundesliga.
The Japan international has a release clause in his current contract which is thought to be worth between £21.5 – £25 million, the Sun claims.
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Ito compared to De Ligt
Ito racked up a total of 29 appearances for Stuttgart last term, playing 14 times at left-back and 15 at centre-back.
The 25-year-old contributed with two assists and has earned comparisons to Bayern Munich’s Matthijs de Ligt.
De Ligt is a player Spurs fans are likely to be more familiar with after the club expressed an interest in the Dutchman before his switch from Ajax to Munich.
The Bundesliga’s official website describes Ito as a player who is similar to De Ligt due to their ‘diligent’ defensive work.
Ito is also renowned for his long-range passing as he often picks out teammates with long balls in behind.