Spurs in talks for Germany international with expiring contract

As per another report from TBR Football, Tottenham Hotspur are one of several Premier League clubs interested in the services of Bayer Leverkusen central defender Jonathan Tah, as a result of his current contract situation with the German champions.

They report that Manchester United, Chelsea, Aston Villa, and Newcastle Untied have all shown an interest in the defender, as well as Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Juventus and Inter Milan when it comes to clubs across the continent - although it is reported that he does not want to go to Italy.

Bayern Munich agreed personal terms with the defender in the summer, though after lengthy negotiations, the clubs could not agree on a fee, and he remained at Leverkusen, where he has continued to be a regular starter.

However, the player is now into the final 12 months of his current contract, and has already publicly said that he will not extend his contract, and therefore will leave the club when it expires in the summer of 2025.

Spurs interested in Jonathan Tah from Bayer Leverkusen

Having joined the club in 2015, Tah will have completed a whole decade at Leverkusen when he leaves next summer. Having had to be patient for consistent opportunities in the German national team, the defender is now a regular fixture in Julian Nagelsmann's side, playing all four games he was available for during the Euros on home soil - his first major tournament for his country.

The 28-year old has pretty good pedigree for someone set to be available on a free transfer, so you can understand why there is so much interest in his name. Considering he agreed personal terms with Bayern, and them being in the country he is from, Tah will be expected to go there. However, after so long playing in the Bundesliga, there is the possibility of him wanting something fresh.

Spurs are clearly short on central defenders. In terms of out and out options, they only have three - with one being Radu Dragusin, who is clearly struggling most of the times he is given a start in the absence of either Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero.

Furthermore, at 6'5, Tah's stature would help Spurs when it comes to one of their clear weaknesses - defending crosses. Whilst Ange's side aren't conceding from set pieces quite as regularly as last season, defending balls into the box from general play are still an issue. They also don't score loads from set pieces, something Tah could also help with.

However, there is one issue. The German international turns like a bus. He plays in the middle of a back three for Leverkusen, a luxury he would not be afforded at Spurs. We know how high a line Ange Postecoglu plays, and you would be worried about the idea of Tah running towards his own goal when Spurs give the ball away.

Even in a back three, the defender has been exposed a bit more this season. Whilst he is clearly a fine player, and pure defender, his skillset and attributes are definitely not suited to this style of football. Of course, by then, Ange Postecoglu may not be in charge, but until then, we have to assume he will be - and the cut and thrust of it is that Tah would be a really poor fit.