Football Transfers have claimed that Manchester United are ready to push ahead with a move for Borussia Monchengladbach centre-back Ko Itakura, who is also on Tottenham’s radar.
Itakura has come on leaps and bounds since his switch to Gladbach 18 months ago and it appears as if the Japanese international’s displays have caught the attention of a number of Premier League sides, including Tottenham.
Sky Sports Germany revealed on Wednesday that Spurs and Liverpool are both circling over the 26-year-old, who is currently away at the Asian Cup with the Blue Samurai.
It was explained that Ange Postecoglou had previously tried to take the defender to Celtic and could now look to unite with the centre-back at Spurs.
The publication added that there is a release clause of around €10m-€15m (£8.5m-£12.8m) in the Gladbach star’s contract, which can be activated next summer.
Man Utd ready to step up Ko Itakura pursuit
Football Transfers now say that Itakura’s release clause stands at £13m and that it is valid during the current window.
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They assert that the low price is one of the reasons why the Manchester club are keen on signing the defender, given their budget constraints.
The report claims that the former Schalke star’s versatility also appeals to Erik Ten Hag, with the Red Devils said to be ‘determined’ to beat Liverpool and Spurs to the player’s signature.
The publication suggests that the Lilywhites and Reds are primarily looking at Itakura as a target for next summer, thus leaving the door open for Man Utd to swoop for the player right now.
Spurs Web Opinion
It would be interesting to see if Tottenham are forced to move for Itakura during the current window if they see Man Utd pushing ahead with a move for the centre-back. I personally would be surprised if the Lilywhites did so, now that Dragusin has arrived through the door.
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