According to Belgian outlet 7sur7, Tottenham Hotspur have not abandoned their pursuit of Koki Machida even though Royale Union Saint-Gilloise are reluctant to lose the Japanese star.
Spurs have strengthened their backline through the acquisition of Radu Dragusin this month while Eric Dier has departed the club.
The Lilywhites continue to be linked with various centre-halves, with reports from Belgium now suggesting that Machida is still on the club’s radar.
Tottenham’s interest in the 26-year-old first came to light back in November when 90 min claimed that the club are keeping a close eye on the defender’s performances for Union SG.
Earlier this month, Voetbal Belgie also reported on Spurs’ interest in the player, suggesting that he is valued at around €10- €15m (£8.6m- £13m).
Tottenham are still circling Koki Machida
According to 7sur7’s latest update, Ange Postecoglou’s men have not closed the Machida chapter, with the Premier League side still thought to be showing interest in the player.
However, it is explained that Union SG are desperate not to lose the centre-back, who is currently at the Asian Cup with Japan.
The report adds that unless the Belgian side receive an offer that is ‘impossible to refuse’, Machida will remain at the Brussels club until next summer.
Spurs Web Opinion
There is every chance of Tottenham pursuing Machida next summer as the Japan international would be a decent backup for Micky van de Ven at left centre-back and is likely to come fairly cheap.
However, Spurs are not going to shop for any more defenders this month, particularly with Ben Davies proving that he can do a competent job in central defence.