Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou was noncommittal when quizzed on the club’s pursuit of Radu Dragusin as an Italian heavyweight joined the race for the Romanian defender.
Injuries to Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven has exposed Tottenham’s alarming lack of depth at centre back as Postecoglou has been forced to use Ben Davies and Emerson Royal — fullbacks by trade — in the middle of defence.
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Dragusin has been eyed by Tottenham as a key target and according to Sky Sports, an offer for the Genoa defender is expected soon as the Serie A side aim for a fee of $AUD56 million.
However, when asked about the chances of a new centre back arriving in the coming days, Postecoglou sidestepped the question.
“It’s hard to say because I don’t get involved in that side of it,” Postecoglou said in his press conference ahead of Tottenham’s FA Cup clash against Burnley.
“As I said leading into the window, we’ve got some objectives and some targets and we’re working towards that.
“People behind the scenes and in charge of those areas are working towards that and my role within that is when I’m sought for guidance and clarity on which way we need to go, I provide that.”
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Although Tottenham appear to be in the driver’s seat in the pursuit of Dragusin, a comment from the player’s agent as well as a report from Sky in Italy suggest a deal won’t be as straightforward as it initially seemed.
The report claims defending Serie A champs Napoli are hoping to nudge in front of Tottenham and have already made a cash-plus-player offer of $AUD32 million and defender Leo Ostigard.
Ostigard and Genoa are no strangers to each other, with the Norwegian spending the second half of the 2021/22 season with the Serie A club.
Whether Genoa are tempted by Napoli’s offer remains to be seen, but comments from Dragusin’s agent would suggest neither last season’s champions or Tottenham will have much of a chance.
Florin Manea, who represents Dragusin, insisted the Romanian “is not thinking” about departing Genoa halfway through the Serie A season and “does not want to leave” just yet.
“He does not think about money, but about prospects for growth and the team he can play for,” Manea told Play TV.
“We were contacted by Saudi Pro League clubs, but he did not even want to listen to their proposals.
“Personally, I have not been contacted by Napoli, Roma or AC Milan.
“In any case, Radu is not thinking about leaving Genoa mid-season, it would be like leaving some unfinished business for him.
“I have had contact with clubs in the Premier League, including Tottenham and others, but at this moment he does not want to leave.”
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