Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly ready to renew their efforts to sign Bayer Leverkusen defender Edmond Tapsoba in January.
Having appointed Ange Postecoglou as their new head coach in the summer, Spurs have enjoyed one of their best starts to the Premier League in recent memory.
The North Londoners have put together a seven-game unbeaten streak, collecting 17 points from a possible 21 to sit in second position in the standings.
However, during the closing days of the summer transfer window, there was a feeling that Spurs had not signed all of their desired targets because they had failed to part ways with unwanted squad members.
Strengthening in the middle of their backline felt imperative and Micky van de Ven and youngster Ashley Phillips were added to the first-team squad.
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Nevertheless, the likes of Eric Dier remained, with the long-serving Englishman effectively now viewed as fifth choice by Postecoglou but failing to find a new club.
As it stands, Spurs will attempt to resolve the situation in January, Dier in the final year of his contract and chairman Daniel Levy expected to be more open to negotiating a cut-price fee.
According to Fichajes, Tapsoba remains Postecoglou's number-one target to add further depth to his options in central defence.
The 24-year-old was an option for Spurs and other top European clubs, such as Manchester United, during the summer, only for him to remain at Xabi Alonso's resurgent Leverkusen.
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Tapsoba has started each of Leverkusen's six matches in the Bundesliga this season, being the only outfield player to feature for every minute with the team sitting in top spot in Germany's top flight.
Spurs find themselves as underdogs to get a deal over the line courtesy of Tapsoba extending his contract until 2028 as recently as last month.
That said, it is claimed that Spurs are toying with the idea of making a fresh bid in an effort to add further weight to their effort to return to the Champions League for 2024-25.
While no potential value is mentioned, Leverkusen would be expected to demand well in excess of Tapsoba's asking price at the midway point of the campaign, particularly if they remain in contention to end Bayern Munich's dominance in Germany.
Darren Plant
