Tottenham Hotspur have been scouting a non-league centre-back described as ‘brilliant’ by his academy manager, but West Ham are also interested.
Tottenham need a new centre-back
Tottenham have been without their first-choice central defenders for much of this season. Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven have been out of the Tottenham first-team squad since they picked up injuries on December 8 during a 4-3 defeat to Chelsea.
While Ben Davies recently returned from injury, allowing Spurs the option of two recognised centre-halves, their defence has failed to improve. In the three recent matches the Wales international has played, Tottenham have conceded seven goals and been defeated twice.
With Davies likely to exit the club this summer anyway and Radu Dragusin continuing to disappoint, many supporters are desperate to see Spurs invest in their defence. It has now been revealed there is a player the club have been scouting who plays his football in the English fifth tier.
Spurs are interested in Sutton United’s Jack Taylor
According to TBR Football, Tottenham have been watching National League defender Jack Taylor. Their scouts were present to see the 19-year-old win the Player of the Match award when Sutton United defeated promotion-chasers York City.
West Ham are among a number of other clubs to be interested in the defender who has recently been dubbed ‘brilliant’ by Jimmy Dack, Sutton’s academy manager. Dack has played a key role in Taylor’s development and has been important to his recent success.
Taylor only made two League Two appearances for Sutton last season. However, he played 23 times for Hampton & Richmond this season before being recalled by his parent club, where he has continued to impress.
Tottenham need a defender who can enter the first team immediately
Taylor may be a talented young defender, but signing him would be a continuation of Tottenham’s failed summer transfer strategy. It is all well and good bringing youngsters to the club, but Spurs, who sit 15th in the Premier League Table, need someone who is ready to play for the first team now.
Loaning out Alfie Dorrington to Aberdeen only to sign a player who has been competing in the National League South is a strange move. Also, Luka Vuskovic and Ashley Phillips will be at Spurs in the summer and signing another young centre-back could stunt their development.
Ange Postecoglou needs to be backed with players who can step up for the remainder of the season, not another cheap option.