November 28th 2023.
Tottenham have been hit with a selection crisis at the back recently, with Micky van de Ven sidelined and Cristian Romero given a three-match suspension. This left the side with just one senior centre-back in Eric Dier, who is out of contract in the summer and has frequently been left out of the matchday squad. Manager Ange Postecoglou had to field a back-line made up entirely of full-backs against Aston Villa, resulting in a third straight loss despite a spirited display.
In order to address their limited defensive options, Spurs have now added Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo to their list of centre-back targets and are prepared to battle Manchester United for him, according to reports. Todibo is enjoying an excellent campaign, having picked up another clean sheet in Sunday's 1-0 win over Toulouse. The France international has a number of suitors, with United long-time admirers, while Liverpool have also been credited with interest.
Tottenham tried to bring in another central defender in the summer, but could not strike an agreement with Bayer Leverkusen for Edmond Tapsoba. With regards to Bournemouth's Lloyd Kelly, Spurs moved too late to convince them into selling. The north Londoners will now look to re-explore a deal for the contract rebel, although a hamstring injury picked up at the weekend may prompt a rethink.
New Spurs sporting director Johan Lange is in charge of drawing up a shortlist of centre-back targets and both Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi and Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite could be alternative options to Todibo. Whatever the outcome, it is clear that Spurs need to act quickly to improve their defensive options in order to get back to winning ways.
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