Tottenham facing a big problem in their efforts to sign a new centre-back

A former Tottenham insider has revealed that the club are facing a major issue in their efforts to sign a new central defender in January.

Injury problems have necessitated a new centre-back

The injuries to Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven and Ben Davies have meant that Ange Postecoglou is currently left with Radu Dragusin as his only fit full-time centre-back.

Unsurprisingly, several outlets have reported that Tottenham are thus prioritising reinforcing the heart of their defence in next month’s transfer window.

However, it has now emerged that the Lilywhites are facing a dilemma when it comes to identifying and signing the right defender.

Mick Brown explains why Spurs will have to spend big money

Brown reveals that work is already underway at Hotspur Way to identify the right defender to bring through the door next month.

However, the former Tottenham scout explained that top centre-backs are not easy to get mid-season unless the club are prepared to spend big.

Brown told Football Insider: “Tottenham’s biggest problem is their instability in defence. After these injuries they’ve suffered, I’m told they’re already working on identifying players who they could sign in the transfer window.

“The problem is, there isn’t an excessive amount of available defenders mid-way through the season. Spurs want to sign a top-class defender who can step in and make a difference, but that will cost big money in January.

“They are prioritising the signing of a defender, though, because it needs sorting. On top of that, if they can sort out their issues at the back, it will help them to make the most of their attacking output going forward.”

Spending big on a centre-back might not make sense for Spurs

It might not make sense for Tottenham to spend upwards of £35m or £40m on a centre-back as the player who comes in is likely to be third or fourth choice when everyone is fit.

The club might thus prefer to do their shopping in the £20m-£30m range, and use the majority of their funds to address the midfield and wide areas.

Having said that, given Van de Ven’s persistent hamstring issues, Postecoglou might have decided that he cannot count on the Dutchman and thus needs another top left-sided defender.

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