Journalist suggests Spurs could try to sign PL defender as Hincapie alternative

CBS Sports journalist Ben Jacobs has suggested that Tottenham Hotspur could make a move for Wolves centre-back Max Kilman if a deal for Piero Hincapie proves to be out of their reach.

Multiple sources over recent weeks (The Athletic and  Football.London) have backed Tottenham to pursue two centre-backs in the summer transfer window – one for the left side and another who can play on the centre and right side.

Hincapie appears to be one of the names on the top of the North London club’s wishlist for the left centre-back spot, with Spurs even thought to have considered making a bid for the 21-year-old during last month’s transfer window (BILD).

However, Bayer Leverkusen announced last week that the Ecuadorian had signed a contract extension until 2027 and it emerged on the back of that development that the Bundesliga club are likely to demand more than £50m for the player in the summer (Football Insider).

Jacobs has now said Spurs still remain the most likely destination for Hincapie but he added that Antonio Conte’s men are also fans of Kilman, who has developed impressively at the Molineux Stadium over the last 18 months.

The journalist told CaughtOffside: “Tottenham do really like Hincapie and Newcastle and Everton have him on their radar, too.

“I don’t see Everton being able to attract Hincapie, and if they go down there’s obviously no chance. Spurs is probably a better fit than Newcastle for Hincapie because Newcastle’s backline basically picks itself right now, whereas Spurs really want a centre-back, and even more so if Lenglet doesn’t become permanent. 

“With Milan Skriniar going to PSG and his Inter teammate Alessandro Bastoni not likely to be gettable, Hincapie could become a more urgent priority for Tottenham. And if they qualify for the Champions League, there will be a healthy budget to spend again this summer.”

“Also keep an eye on Wolves’ Max Kilman, who Spurs like and could well be on the move at the end of the season. What Antonio Conte really wants, in all positions, is more ‘starter-signings’.

“Spurs made a high volume of additions last summer, but not every player is an automatic starter. Now I think the Spurs boss would prefer less names coming in but a higher number he’s confident go straight into his XI rather than only the matchday squad.”

Spurs Web Opinion

The one thing we have to keep in mind is the fact that it is far from certain that Conte is still going to be at Tottenham next season.

So, while the Italian might prefer someone like Alessandro Bastoni, the club’s transfer targets could change if the 53-year-old is replaced at the end of the season.

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