Ko Itakura transfer stance shared as £15m update emerges at Tottenham
Ko Itakura is open to joining Tottenham as Ange Postecoglou attempts to fix his current injury crisis, according to TEAMtalk.
The online source reports [7 January] that Spurs have already sounded out the 27-year-old centre-half, who could be available for as little as £15million this month.
It is understood that, with PSV Eindhoven also interested in the Japanese international, the Lilywhites are also keeping tabs on Lens’ Abdukodir Khusanov and Everton star defender Jarrad Branthwaite [Mail on Sunday].
Tottenham attempt to fix injury crisis with new defender transfer
Itakura would certainly be an interesting signing, given his interest across the Bundesliga, the Eredivisie and on the international stage with Japan, with whom he has won 35 caps.
After leaving Manchester City on a permanent deal in 2022, the centre-back has become an important figure in Borussia Monchengladbach’s squad, making 64 appearances to date.
With five goals in that time, it is clear that he offers an attacking threat from corners and set-pieces, though his defensive abilities will be what Postecoglou is focusing on this month.
The manager is without Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero and Destiny Udogie from his backline, and with Radu Dragusin not impressing, Archie Gray looks to be the only centre-back option right now.
Spurs finished the 2-1 defeat to Newcastle United with goalkeeper Brandon Austin protected by a back four of Gray, Sergio Reguilon, Djed Spence and Pedro Porro.
While Postecoglou is rightly under pressure for the team’s recent form across all competitions, it would be fair to assume that results would be far more ideal with a fully fit squad.
That is exactly why Daniel Levy needs to back his manager during the January transfer window and buy as many as his requests as possible before the window slams shut, and Itakura could be one of those.
Itakura’s sensible price and reasonable experience make him a decent short-term fix as Spurs await the return of multiple first-team defenders.
In other Tottenham news, the Met Office has shared a new weather update ahead of Spurs’ EFL Cup clash against Liverpool.
For more Tottenham news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.