Tottenham will reportedly compete with Newcastle United in the race to sign RB Leipzig defender Mohamed Simakan this summer.
Ange Postecoglou is keen to add more defensive reinforcements to his squad after signing Micky van de Ven and Radu Dragusin this season.
Van de Ven, in particular, proved to be an incredibly valuable asset. He has so far made 20 Premier League appearances, helping Spurs keep five blank sheets.
The 22-year-old also scored a goal against Nottingham Forest on Sunday and seems to be improving with each game.
Van de Ven is statistically the fastest player in Premier League history, having reached a record speed of 37. 38km/h in an attack in February.
Now it looks like Postecoglou will sign another speedy Bundesliga defender to play alongside Van de Ven.
According to Sky Germany journalist Philipp Hinze, Tottenham and Newcastle are very “interested” in bringing Simakan to England.
In X, Hinze explains that Simakan is “open” to leaving RB Leipzig, but his release clause may become a factor for his suitors.
“There is a clause in Mohamed Simakan’s contract!Valid starting this summer. Value: Around €70 million (£59. 9 million)!” wrote Hinze.
“Simakan is open and fit to be transferred, the Premier League is calling him. But you’ll only leave if you can move on to the next step.
“Tottenham and Newcastle are interested. RB Leipzig are calm and in a very smart position thanks to the large sum.
Simakan, 23, signed for Leipzig from Strasbourg in 2021 and has already established himself as one of the German club’s top players.
The French centre-back, who can also play as a right-back, has made 37 appearances in all competitions this season, helping Leipzig keep nine clean sheets. He also scored two goals.
Speedsdb claims Simakan is faster than Spurs striker Timo Werner, having recorded a top speed of 22. 06mph to Werner’s 20. 75mph.
With that in mind, Simakan can be the ideal defensive partner for Van de Ven and can cover Pedro Porro and Emerson Royal at right-back.
As for Newcastle, injuries to Sven Botman and, more recently, Jamal Lascelles have exposed their lack of central defence.
Eddie Howe has made signing a new centre-back one of his priorities for the summer window and the Magpies have some interesting targets on their shortlist.
Juventus youngster Dean Huijsen is a player much admired by Newcastle’s recruitment managers, for example, but they will face the festival of Manchester United and Liverpool for his signing.
Simakan has now become an option for Huijsen and it will be to see if they can beat Tottenham in the race.
As mentioned, Simakan has a €70 million (£59. 9 million) clause in his contract, so it will be attractive to see if the Premier League duo can convince Leipzig to sell him for a lower price.