Tottenham interested in big money transfer to shore up defence

Tottenham, with Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen’s futures unclear, are reportedly interested in signing Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly for what would be an astronomical transfer fee. 

The Mirror is at it again, this time via Spain’s El Desmarque, with rumours flying as frenzied as swarms of grasshoppers on the Great Plains. Everybody knows Spurs need to shore up a rather porous defence.

But shoring up a rearguard doesn’t always mean you have to go out and spend £90 million on a centre back. Sometimes it simply means restoring confidence in players in your keep, tinkering with formations, positions and personnel while backing those who are right in front of you.

Surely trying to convince Veronghen and Alderweireld to extend their contracts at Tottenham is the preferred option. Alderweireld is loving his football at Tottenham and recently expressed his current joy at the club. Vertonghen, since returning from injury, is contributing regularly, showcasing his adaptability and wealth of experience on the left side of defence.

If Spurs continue their impressive run of form, it shouldn’t take too much to convince the old guard to commit to the cause.

But we all know what can happen in football, understanding intimately its unpredictable nature, so I suppose there is no harm in diving into these salacious rumours.

All is not well at Napoli, the primary reason the rumour has spread like wildfire. Aurelio De Laurentiis, Napoli’s controversial owner, basically remanded his players into custody after a poor run of form. He demanded they stay at the training ground for an intensive retreat.

Koulibaly, 28, along with a number of teammates, ignored De Laurentiis’ demands. The Mirror reports Koulibaly was fined £192,000 for his insubordination. He wasn’t the only player fined, causing what resembled a mutiny.

That chaotic disharmony along with Mourinho’s past interest in the player when he was United’s boss has created a perfect media storm, a feeding frenzy. The discontented Koulibaly is on United and Real Madrid’s hit list, the latter of which, with their deep coffers, favourites to win the sweepstakes.

I don’t see Spurs shelling out what would be a world record fee to sign the Frenchman. I’ve been wrong before, but Mourinho’s time would be better spent enticing Alderweireld and Vertonghen to stay put.