Tottenham must seal Radu Dragusin transfer quickly, bid now made - BBC pundit

We’re delighted to welcome former Scotland right-back Alan Hutton as our exclusive columnist as each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium…

Tottenham need to "act quickly" to sign Genoa defender Radu Dragusin as they need defensive reinforcement to reach the "next level", according to Alan Hutton.

Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano posted a latest update on Spurs' reported move for the 21-year-old Romanian centre-back via his X account on Wednesday (3 January), stating that a verbal offer of £19.9million has been proposed with the Serie A club wanting £25.8m.

Romano added that more talks are scheduled as Ange Postecoglou remains "convinced" he is the right player to help boost his options in a problem area.

Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero are both out injured with hamstring injuries, with the latter having also missed time due to suspension this season, while Eric Dier has been ostracised from the team.

It has meant Emerson Royal and Ben Davies - both full-backs by trade - have had to fill the void and ex-Spurs defender Hutton - speaking to Tottenham News - wants to see a swift arrival during the January transfer window.

"I think it needs to be done really, don't get me wrong I'm not gonna sit here and tell you I know all about him and how amazing he is and different things because I don't," he said.

"But what I do know is Tottenham need reinforcements when it comes to centre-back. Van de Ven is still out, Romero picked up another injury. Eric Dier he obviously doesn't fancy.

"Emerson Royal has filled in okay to be fair, but that's not his position so I think it's somewhere where they need to strengthen.

"They've done well up until now but if they really want to push on to the next level and keep on challenging towards the top end of the league they need reinforcements and that's an area they need to act quickly."

Tottenham defeated Bournemouth 3-1 on New Year's Eve to react quickly from a humbling 4-2 defeat to Brighton on December 28.

Ange Postecoglou's men are only six points off table-toppers Liverpool and only a point back of fourth.

They will take a break from Premier League action to host Burnley in the third round of the FA Cup on Friday (5 January).

In other Tottenham news, one out-of-favour player might have one more chance to impress versus Burnley.