Tottenham: Lengthy contract could cause Kane issues
Tottenham Hotspur manager Nuno Espirito Santo is keen to add to his defensive ranks this summer by pursuing a deal for Bologna defender Takehiro Tomiyasu - although negotiations with the Italian club seem to have stalled.
Spurs, who have already made defensive reinforcements with the signings of Atalanta duo Cristian Romero and Pierluigi Gollini, are keen to add Tomiyasu to their squad in a bid to reinforce their squad.
Having sold long-serving centre back Toby Alderweireld to Qatari side Al-Duhail two weeks ago, alongside the permanent sale of Juan Foyth to Villarreal, it is well-known that Spurs are after another man for their back line.
And bosses have identified Tomiyasu as the man to slot in to the system Nuno Espirito Santo wants to implement.
Tomiyasu, 22, joined Bologna for £6.3million from Belgian outfit Sint-Truiden in July 2019, and has impressed for I Veltri ever since his arrival.
The Japanese international, who has 23 caps for his country and competed at the Olympic Games, has amassed a total of 63 games for the side that finished 12th in Serie A last season.
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Yet, despite his desire to join the Lilywhites and with interest from Atalanta - most likely to replace the Spurs-bound Romero - talks are at a standstill for him.
The report further states that three Bologna defenders are surplus to requirements, leaving the club reluctant to sell Tomiyasu until they have found new clubs.
It represents the latest saga in which Spurs have to deal with this summer, following the extremely well-documented stories surrounding Harry Kane's departure.
Takehiro Tomiyasu has been linked with a move to Spurs for months (Image: GETTY)
Kane, 28, has made his intentions to leave Spurs clear, with Manchester City said to be lining up a move worth up to £150m for the Spurs and England captain.
However, with Spurs chairman Daniel Levy playing hardball, it remains to be seen whether a deal can be done or not.
Spurs are interested in another Serie A player, Lautaro Martinez - although a potential deal for him does not hinge on Kane's exit.