Reports say Tottenham Hotspur is currently plotting the moves of the “elite” Premier League defender.
Spurs are about to sign a new centreback
The 27-year-old is deeply connected to his move to Atletico Madrid, which has led to much speculation over Christian Romero’s future, but Thomas Frank shows that the defender will remain in the N17.
That being said, perhaps his predecessor, Ange Postecoglou, has remained very light in defensive options last season, with Frank eager to bring in another centre-back, with AFC Bournemouth’s Iliaza Barine appearing as targets.
Spurs are ready to pay more than £60 million to close Zabarnyi’s deal, but with the Bournemouth defender eager to join PSG, Frank could be forced to move on to an alternative option, with another Premier League centre-back on the final list.
This is according to a report from France (via TeamTalk) that Tottenham says he is paying attention to the moves of Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix within a year that’s less than a year into the defender’s £18 million Selhurst Park.
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The way Lacroix can adapt to the Premier League will catch the eye of the Spurs, and the move will reunite former Wolfsburg teammate Van Deven and defender.
However, the 25-year-old contract was under contract until 2029, so the palace is in a strong negotiating position, with the likes of Borrusia Dortmund and various Serie A clubs likely to be paid attention to so many rivals.
“Elite” Lacroix could be a great acquisition for Spurs
Called “Elite Defender” by journalist Tobias Cleger, the palace star was the mainstay on Oliver Glasner’s side last season, making 35 appearances in the Premier League and won Manchester City in the FA Cup final.
During his first season in the UK, the Frenchman’s defensive abilities were regularly displayed.
statistics | Average per 90 |
Tackle | 1.96 (83rd percentile) |
Intercept | 1.56 (89th percentile) |
clearance | 5.98 (81st percentile) |
Glasner is also clearly pleased with the addition of the former Wolfsberg man, with the palace boss saying: “It’s an incredible recruitment. The new players who came this year have performed well today and in the Emirates, like Maxence Lacroix, Kamada Daichi.”
So, while Lacroix may be a solid signature for Tottenham, it may be difficult to praise him at the palace, given that the centre-back will remain under contract until 2029.