Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly decided to activate Johnny Cardoso's £21m release clause this summer, with Ange Postecoglou keen to strengthen in midfield.
Spurs are set to take on Aston Villa in the FA Cup on Sunday in a match that could be crucial in deciding the future of manager Postecoglou.
The Australian has come under significant pressure in recent months, and his side's humiliating 4-0 defeat against Liverpool on Thursday saw them exit the EFL Cup at the semi-final stage.
Tottenham are currently 14th in the Premier League with just 27 points, and it remains to be seen if the Spurs boss will remain in charge should the team continue to disappoint.
However, Football Insider claims that Tottenham are willing to activate their first refusal option for Real Betis midfielder Cardoso, who can be prized away from Spain for just £21m this summer and is said to be a priority target for Postecoglou.
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Cardoso's profile assessed
Cardoso has started 12 times in La Liga this season, and the 23-year-old has primarily operated at the base of midfield, often choosing to retain possession rather than play more expansively.
No other midfielder has taken more touches in the defensive third (212) for Real Betis than he has, and showing a willingness to receive the ball under pressure.
The American also boasts an impressive 59% success rate when contesting aerial duels, more than the likes of Declan Rice (58%) and Yves Bissouma (40%).
Cardoso is just over 6ft in height and has demonstrated an ability to press aggressively on the front foot, with only one other Real Betis player having made more than his six tackles in the final third in La Liga.
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Will Cardoso solve Spurs' issues?
Tottenham have been blighted by injuries this campaign, and midfielders Rodrigo Bentancur, Yves Bissouma and Pape Matar Sarr have all spent time on the sidelines for various issues.
Cardoso would undoubtedly bring much needed depth to Spurs' squad, but he is unlikely to solve all of Postecoglou's defensive issues given the North London outfit have also struggled with injuries in the backline.
Additionally, pundits like Jamie Carragher have criticised the Tottenham boss' adventurous style of play for leaving his side exposed defensively, with the team having conceded 37 times in just 24 Premier League games.
While Cardoso's potential arrival could benefit the club, Spurs would perhaps make the most of the midfielder if Postecoglou tempered his style to ensure the American is not overly burdened by defensive work.
Lewis Nolan
