Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou has broken his silence on claims that the Lilywhites have agreed a loan deal for Chelsea defender Axel Disasi.
Despite already capturing Lens defender Kevin Danso on loan with an obligation to buy - a deal that Spurs announced on Sunday morning - the Lilywhites are still said to be hopeful of signing another centre-back before the January window closes at 11pm on Monday.
Spurs have allegedly been rejected by AC Milan's Fikayo Tomori and swiftly turned their attention to Chelsea's Disasi, whom Fabrizio Romano claims is now the subject of an agreement between the two clubs.
Romano reports that Spurs and Chelsea have shaken hands on a straight loan deal with no buy option/obligation, and the North London club will also pay a nominal fee to their capital counterparts.
However, there is still one sizeable hoop for Tottenham to jump through, as Disasi is favouring a move to Aston Villa and has therefore not given the green light to a move to Postecoglou's side.
Postecoglou coy on Disasi to Tottenham reports
🚨⚪️ Tottenham have agreed loan deal with Chelsea for Axel Disasi, no buy option clause and loan fee included.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 2, 2025
Axel Disasi, not accepting Spurs bid... as he already agreed terms with Aston Villa.
⚠️ Chelsea have NO intention to negotiate with Villa as UCL spot competitors. pic.twitter.com/JgzbRNrz24
The Frenchman's hopes of sealing a switch to Villa Park might be dead in the water, though, as Chelsea apparently do not wish to let him join Unai Emery's team given that they are in direct competition with the Blues for a top-four finish.
As Tottenham are not a threat to Chelsea in their European pursuit, Enzo Maresca's side are willing to let him join their near neighbours, but Postecoglou kept his cards close to his chest when asked about the supposed agreement.
"I've been busy for the last couple of hours mate, so I'm not really sure what's going on. I'll check my phone when I get back in the room," football.london quotes Postecoglou as saying after Tottenham's 2-0 win over Brentford.
A journalist jokingly asked a follow-up question requesting Postecoglou to give him a telephone call when the Disasi deal was complete, to which the Australian replied: "I'll do my best, just wait by the phone."
While the Disasi situation appears to be at gridlock, Tottenham have reinforced their defensive ranks with the capture of Danso, who was on the verge of signing for Wolverhampton Wanderers before snubbing Vitor Pereira's side at the last minute.
Postecoglou backs Danso to "kick on" after Tottenham arrival
© Imago
Commenting on the Austrian's arrival in North London, Postecoglou added: "Great to get Kevin in. We desperately need a defender, but getting him is great because he's a great fit for us. He's had a strong career, but he's at an age now where he really wants to kick on.
"He's got all the attributes we look for, he's really strong one-on-one, he's quick, he's dynamic, he wants to play on the ball. So really pleased, I think it'll be a lift for the whole group."
Danso could make his Tottenham debut in Thursday's EFL Cup semi-final second leg against Liverpool, but Micky van de Ven is still a slight doubt for the contest after missing the win over Brentford as a precaution.
However, Postecoglou is keeping his fingers crossed that the Dutchman will be fit, adding: "I'd rather he has another full week of training, get ready for Thursday night. Hopefully we'll get him ready for that."
Cristian Romero is expected to remain unavailable for the trip to Anfield, and Tottenham are fearful that Radu Dragusin suffered a severe knee injury in last week's 3-0 Europa League success over Elfsborg.
Ben Knapton
