Reports claim that Spurs are preparing a summer move for the Lyon defender Samuel Umtiti.
The 22-year old is rated at over £20m by the French side who is also said to be wanted by Paris St Germain. Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas experienced gruelling negotiations with Daniel Levy with Tottenham bought Hugo Lloris in 2012, but is likely to prefer that his player move to London rather than further strengthening a PSG side who are currently 27 points ahead of them in Ligue 1.
A French U21 international, Umtiti is a versatile defender who is able to play as a centre-back or left-back. That raises the question as to whether Spurs need another left-sided defender.
While Tottenham need a fourth central defender – with Eric Dier firmly established as a midfielder and Cameron Carter-Vickers still needing experience – it is the right-sided Toby Alderweireld who is currently without a deputy.
That’s not to say that two left-footed central defenders cannot play together. Right-footed centre-backs often partner each other, but in terms of balance you’d think that a right-sided player would be the preferred option.
Umtiti is undoubtedly talented though and is a fast, powerful defender. Watch him in action below.
