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Sources: Tottenham set sights on three defenders after 'devastating' Van de Ven update
Tottenham are lining up a centre-back signing in the January window following Micky van de Ven’s injury in the loss against Chelsea on Monday (6 November), sources have told Football Insider.
As revealed by Football Insider earlier on Monday, Spurs are keen to sign a centre-back and defensive midfielder in the January transfer window.
But Van de Ven, who had been widely regarded as one of the signings of the summer, suffered a serious hamstring injury in the Chelsea loss – and Tottenham are now set to press ahead with their January plans.
Speaking post-match, manager Ange Postecoglou confirmed the Dutchman’s injury is “significant” but could not yet reveal how long he would be out.
Furthermore, Football Insider understands the defender still could not walk after the match and had to be assisted through the ‘mixed zone’ by Tottenham’s medical staff.
That is a devastating blow for Spurs going into the winter months.
It is believed Bournemouth star Lloyd Kelly, Fulham’s Tosin Adarabioyo and Bayer Leverkusen ace Edmond Tapsoba are once again on the shortlist for Spurs.
The Lilywhites tried to sign all three at various stages of the most recent summer window.
A well-placed source told Football Insider that Tottenham proposed a late £20million bid for Kelly, but were rebuffed by Bournemouth as they did not have adequate time to find a replacement.
It is believed the Cherries were frustrated with how late Spurs came in for the defender.
Football Insider revealed on Monday (6 November) that Liverpool have joined Tottenham in the race for Kelly.
He is out of contract at the end of the 2023-24 campaign – as is Fulham defender Adarabioyo.
The Craven Cottage ace has made just one appearance this season before undergoing groin surgery.
Meanwhile, Tapsoba was a top target for Tottenham in the summer prior to the signing of Van de Ven.
He has since signed a new long-term contract with Leverkusen, running until June 2028.
Spurs will likely be without Van de Ven and World Cup winner Cristan Romero for the clash against Wolves on Saturday (11 November) following the latter’s red card against Chelsea.
In other news, 30-year-old wants to quit Tottenham after contract talks collapse.