Tottenham Hotspur are likely to be busy in the summer transfer window as Ange Postecoglou looks to bolster his ranks ahead of the new season.
Spurs finished fifth in the Premier League table last season, a decent return in Postecoglou’s first season compared to the lacklustre 2022/23 campaign.
However, Tottenham were hoping to finish fourth, so they’ll need to increase their squad’s strength in depth this summer in order to kick on.
Spurs have been linked with plenty of players in various positions in recent weeks, including at full-back.
Now, a report from Italy has suggested that a highly sought-after defensive talent on Tottenham’s radar could potentially cost as little as £26million.
READ MORE: Euro 2024 star has now agreed to join Tottenham after Spurs made £15m bid
Tottenham target Michael Kayode valued at £26million
The player in question is Fiorentina defender Michael Kayode, who has been linked with Spurs, Arsenal, Aston Villa and Inter Milan.
According to Firenze Viola, the Serie A side intends to reject any bid for the 19-year-old that is less than €30million (around £25.5million).
The outlet, quoting a recent report from Sport Italia, also claimed the Villans are ready to table an offer of around €15million (£12.6million), but ‘it won’t be enough’.
Fiorentina do not want to lose Kayode this summer for anything less than an ‘indispensable’ offer, added the report.
Who is Tottenham target Michael Kayode?
Michael Kayode is a right-back who can also play further up the right flank and also at left-back.
His football journey began at Juventus’ academy, and he also played for Serie D outfit Gozzano before joining Fiorentina in 2023.
Kayode has made 37 competitive appearances for the Viola, registering one goal and four assists.
Former Viola boss Vincenzo Italiano is a big fan of Kayode, telling Football Italia last season: “Kayode has a strong character, he fears nothing and it’s important when you are this young.
“Moreover, he is physically strong and motivated after winning the Euros. When he returned to Florence he kept the gold medal around his neck for a few days.”
Meanwhile, scouting outlet Breaking the Lines have described Kayode as a ‘physical dynamo who’s capable of driving forward on the overlap, inverting into the middle, and acting as a third center back.
‘At 19 years of age, he’s already emerged as one of the finest up-and-coming right backs in Europe.’
The outlet also likened Kayode’s recovery pace and athleticism to that of Manchester City and England star Kyle Walker.
Links between the Italy Under-21 international and Tottenham’s Premier League rivals go back a few months, with speculation doing the rounds in October.
With that in mind, Tottenham will certainly have to be mindful not only of Fiorentina’s desire to keep hold of Kayode, but also of rival suitors from the Premier League.