Ange Postecoglou is a centre-back after Tottenham officially proved that a defender has left the club.
The start of the Spurs’ season coincided with the fact that Postecoglou’s team was in relatively good health. All of that replaced the disastrous 4–1 loss to Chelsea on 6 November, in which Micky van de Ven and James Maddison suffered major injuries.
Van de Ven has just returned to fitness, his regular partner in the side, Cristian Romero, has also run out of time due to suspension.
What’s more, the Argentine is now sidelined with a hamstring issue that’s ruled him out until February.
In the absence of any of the players, coach Postecoglou has sometimes opted for full-backs in central positions. Ben Davies and Emerson Royal were the chosen duo, with Eric Dier overlooked.
Dier has reached private deals with Bayern Munich and Tottenham are now waiting for an official offer for the 29-year-old.
Elsewhere, the only other first-team centre-back Postecoglou could have is Ashley Phillips. However, the Spurs have now shown that the teenage rising star has left the club temporarily.
Phillips joined Tottenham from Blackburn Rovers last summer in a deal worth around £2 million. Despite Dier coming out gaining speed and a resolution for Genoa’s Radu Dragusin yet to be finalized, Tottenham have announced Phillips’ departure.
The English Under-19 foreigner has joined Plymouth Argyle Championship on a six-month loan. The news appeared on the official websites of Tottenham and Plymouth.
Although not specified, it explains why an acquisition option was not included. Phillips was viewed as a longer-term assignment when he was first brought to the Spurs six months ago.
Phillips’ departure has crossed the finish line and it probably won’t be long before deals are struck for RB Leipzig’s Dragusin and Timo Werner.
Tottenham have scheduled a medical for Werner, who will be granted a six-month loan deal with an option to buy. The option is expected to be around £15. 5 million.
Meanwhile, Dragusin reached private deals with Spurs and Fabrizio Romano as things stood the previous Monday.
“Negotiations are also underway between Tottenham and Genoa for Radu Dragusin,” Romano told Caught Offside. “I recently told you that Spurs have already agreed non-public terms with the young defender and positive contacts have now been established between the two clubs.
“The scenario is that Genoa initially valued at around €35 million (£30 million) and then dropped to €30 million (£25. 8 million).
“Tottenham made an initial verbal offer of €23m, but they are now moving towards a higher fee. The deal is surely closed, progressing well, and heading toward the final steps.
“It’s not done yet, but it’s concrete and Tottenham are hoping to sign Dragusin next week. “
Spurs are reportedly hoping to agree a payment of around €25 million (£21. 5 million) plus add-ons for Dragusin, which could bring the deal closer to the €30 million mark.
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