Setting the record straight on recent news about Tapsoba to Tottenham

Over the weekend, The Express Sport published a sensationalist story saying Tottenham is on the verge of landing Edmond Tapsoba for £25 million.

Most Spurs supporters know by now not to believe everything they read. This is one of those instances.

Bayer Leverkusen would never, and I do mean never, release one of their franchise assets for pennies on the pound, particularly considering Tapsoba’s continuously elevating stock.

Tottenham has made Tapsoba their primary centre-back target. That much is true. However, Spurs will have to hand over at least £40 million, probably £45 to £50 million, to sign the 24-year-old.

The man from Burkina Faso, who hasn’t even hit his prime, is thriving in Germany, touted as one of the best central defenders in the Bundesliga.

Tottenham has other centre-back targets on their shortlist, including Juventus’ Gleison Bremer and Wolfsburg’s Micky van de Ven.

Although Bremer will cost as much, if not more, than Tapsoba, making a deal for the 26-year-old unlikely.

A younger, more inexperienced centre-back with boundless potential, van de Ven is a more affordable option and will probably cost about £30 million. However, Liverpool are also in hot pursuit of his signature, further complicating proceedings.

In addition, van de Ven might not be ready to seamlessly infiltrate Tottenham’s starting 11.

While van de Ven is still an intriguing option, Tapsoba is Tottenham’s preference. Just don’t get tricked into believing it will only cost £25 million to secure his services.