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Report: Tottenham open negotiations with player who idolises Virgil van Dijk

Lee Clarke

Wed 15 July 2020 13:15, UK

Tottenham have opened negotiations to sign Schalke defender Ozan Kabak,

The centre-back looks set to leave the Bundesliga outfit this summer and has a release clause of £40 million.

Kabak played 26 games for David Wagner’s team last season and as a result, Tottenham want to bolster their ranks with the Turkish star.

The uncompromising player is a no-nonsense central defender and already has a cap for the Turkey national team.

Jose Mourinho is keen to bolster his defence and talks are thought to be for the youngster.

Belgian star Toby Alderweireld is Tottenham’s star at the back but his partner in crime, Jan Vertonghen could depart when the season ends.

That would leave Davinson Sanchez and the relatively unfancied Juan Foyth to battle it out to partner Alderweireld.

Kobak signed for Schalke from Galatasaray and has delighted the club’s supporters with his robust style of defending.

Interestingly, Kobak stated his desire to be a top player back in November 2019; picking a Premier League star as his idol.

“My personal aim is to become a top defender in maybe two or three years, like Virgil van Dijk. He’s my idol, I really like him.”

Improvements

Mourinho oversaw a morale-boosting win over bitter rivals Arsenal at the weekend. The 2-1 victory put Spurs back in contention for a European place at the expense of the Gunners.

The serial winner needs more from his team, however, and new recruits will be sought in the summer.

Tottenham have enjoyed a taste for the Champions League and Mourinho knows it’s where the hierarchy wants the club to be.

With that in mind, the boss must ensure he gets his summer business absolutely spot on.

Kobak might not be a household name but he would represent a defensive upgrade from a Tottenham perspective.