Spurs chasing budget 23-year-old to replace Jan Vertonghen – report

Tottenham are keeping tabs on South Korean defender Kim Min-Jae, according to the Telegraph.

Kim currently plays for Chinese Super League side Beijing Sinobo Guoan, for whom he has made 26 league appearances since leaving his native South Korea. The 23-year-old centre-back has also played 30 times for his country alongside Spurs star Son Heung-min, scoring three goals.

The Telegraph reports that Tottenham are in pole position to sign Kim in a £13.5 million deal, with Jose Mourinho keen to replace the outgoing Jan Vertonghen. It is believed the Spurs boss is also a fan of Sevilla centre-back Diego Carlos, but he would be significantly more expensive at upwards of £35 million.

The story claims Kim is set to hold talks with Beijing Sinobo Guoa about leaving after publicly criticising his teammates and manager. Tottenham will apparently monitor those discussions.

With Vertonghen recently hinting he will depart when his contract expires at the end of the campaign, it makes sense for Spurs to already be looking at possible centre-back targets – and Kim seemingly fits the bill because of his low price and potential.