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Tottenham join two Premier League rivals in £10m defender pursuit?

'Keeping close tabs' - Tottenham, Newcastle keen on £10m defender?
© Imago
Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United are reportedly keeping a close eye on the progress of Leicester City defender Caleb Okoli ahead of the January transfer window.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly interested in signing Leicester City defender Caleb Okoli in January.

The 23-year-old only joined the Foxes during the recent summer transfer window, securing a high-profile switch from Europa League winners Atalanta BC.

Okoli did not feature for La Dea last term, though, instead spending the entirety of the 2023-24 schedule on loan at Frosinone as they battled against Serie A relegation.

Despite putting in some impressive performances over 34 top-flight matches, the Italian centre-back was unable to help his loan club to avoid a bottom-three finish.

Since switching to the East Midlands, Okoli has started five Premier League matches for Steve Cooper's Leicester, including the much-needed 1-0 win over Bournemouth prior to the international break.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou pictured on September 21, 2024© Imago

Tottenham, Newcastle 'keeping tabs' on Leicester man Okoli

According to TBR Football, Leicester defender Okoli is attracting transfer interest from elsewhere despite only recently joining the Foxes in the summer.

The report claims that Tottenham and Newcastle United are monitoring the progress of the 23-year-old during the early stages of the current campaign.

It is understood that Ange Postecoglou's side were left impressed following their scouting of Okoli during his time on loan at Frosinone last term.

However, it is said that Spurs had reservations surrounding the Italian's ability to cope with the Premier League, meaning that they did not push hard for his signature in the summer.

As well as the Lilywhites and Eddie Howe's Magpies, it is believed that West Ham United are also in the process of monitoring Foxes star Okoli.

Tottenham Hotspur's Destiny Udogie pictured on August 24, 2024© Imago

Spurs' strategy and Italian connections

Apart from £55m striker Dominic Solanke, all of Tottenham's permanent signings in the calendar year of 2024 have involved the arrivals of players under the age of 22.

It is clear that Postecoglou is building for the future in North London, with Leicester's Okoli possessing the potential to develop into a top-class defender.

Tottenham have reaped the rewards of signing Italian defenders in recent times, with Destiny Udogie making the left-back spot his own since joining the club last year.

Following his stellar displays on the club scene, Okoli could make his senior debut for Italy on Thursday night as they play Belgium in the UEFA Nations League.

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