Aaron Wan-Bissaka, a solid defensive option for Tottenham

Aaron Wan-Bissaka enjoyed a breakout season with Crystal Palace and would add the kind of defensive stability that is lacking from Tottenham’s lineup. 

The main issue with luring him to Hotspur Way, though, is the exorbitantly high price tag Palace has reportedly slapped on him.  Manchester United, with a recent bid of £40 million, are the frontrunners to sign the 21-year-old, but Palace squashed the proposal, saying the Red Devils are way off in their valuation of the London club’s prized assets.

Palace countered United’s bid, saying Wan-Bissaka is worth £70 million, a valuation that would take Spurs out of contention, which, based on Wan-Bissaka’s defensive attributes, is a massive shame.

An athletic powerhouse, Wan-Bissaka would make an optimal replacement if Kieran Trippier decides to depart the club for pastures anew.

While the 21-year-old upstart is less tried and more raw than Trippier, his defensive qualities are far superior. All of his defensive qualities – tackling, shot blocking, intercepting – would provide Spurs with structure, solidifying a backbone that is sometimes vulnerable.

Tottenham conceded 23 away goals this season, the same as Newcastle and two fewer than Wolves and Everton. Spurs’ defence allowed the third fewest goals in the Premier League (39), but improvement is still needed for Mauricio Pochettino’s squad to contend for the title.

While Palace’s valuation is around £70 million, one presumes Steve Parish will entertain reasonable bids, even those falling under the designated benchmark. Unfortunately for Spurs, United have more plentiful resources at their disposal, and would almost certainly outbid the North London side.

Anything close to £50 million to secure Wan-Bissaka is money well spent, as he still only 21 and is already tried and tested at the top level of English football.

Signing Wan-Bissaka is highly unlikely, but Spurs embrace their role as underdog, often persevering through circumstances where the odds are stacked decidedly against.

But in this case, it might be a better idea to source another right back with similar attributes at a discounted rate. Though off the top of my head it’s hard to think of viable alternatives.