Tottenham Hotspur remain interested in a Serie A centre-back as talks with Brighton & Hove Albion over a deal for Jan Paul van Hecke continue.
Tottenham Hotspur could well do with at least one new senior centre-back signing this summer transfer window.
That is because of how uncertain Cristian Romero’s future is. Spurs Web reported yesterday that Manchester United have entered the race to sign Romero.
It was even added that they are preparing an offer, while Spurs Web also revealed the amount the Red Devils are looking to pay for Romero.
Jan Paul van Hecke has since emerged as the Lilywhites’ preferred replacement, but reaching an agreement with Brighton, who have already rejected two bids for Van Hecke, is not making life easy for Tottenham.
Tottenham and Newcastle are tracking Evan Ndicka transfer
According to Spurs Web, personal terms have reportedly been agreed with van Hecke, and a third offer from Tottenham is now being readied.
However, while Spurs continue to wait for a response from Brighton, Sports Boom is reporting that they also have their eye on another centre-back.
It is claimed that AS Roma defender Evan Ndicka is on Tottenham’s radar, with the Serie A centre-back being monitored closely by Spurs.
Newcastle United are also said to be interested in the defender. It is explained that both Tottenham and Newcastle could make a move for the 26-year-old in the coming weeks.
Spurs could turn to Evan Ndicka amid Van Hecke uncertainty
It is not clearly stated that Ndicka is being viewed as an alternative to Van Hecke, but that could well prove to be the case should Spurs fail to secure the Dutchman’s signature.
Ndicka is a player Tottenham have been linked with in the past, while the centre-back also appears to fit the profile Roberto De Zerbi is looking to build at Spurs given his comfort on the ball and recovery pace.
The numbers also show clear differences between the two defenders. Van Hecke stands out more in progressive passing and carries, while Ndicka offers stronger defensive duel numbers and aerial ability.
Ndicka does have a higher percentage of forward passes with 79%, while van Hecke is on 76%. However, the Brighton man does outperform the AS Roma centre-back other passing-related statistics.
| Stat | Evan Ndicka 25/26 | Jan Paul van Hecke 25/26 |
|---|---|---|
| Club | Roma | Brighton |
| Age | 26 | 26 |
| Passes completed percentile | 66.0 | 86.0 |
| Forward pass % percentile | 79.3 | 76.9 |
| Progressive passes percentile | 24.0 | 98.7 |
| Possessions won percentile | 57.3 | 48.7 |
| Defensive duel % percentile | 66.0 | 78.4 |
| Aerial duel % percentile | 65.8 | 41.1 |
| Progressive carries percentile | 28.2 | 99.1 |
| Minutes played | 2896 | 3583 |