Tottenham undoubtedly face a decisive summer both in the transfer market and regarding their new manager search. Antonio Conte's mid-season exit has cast a mass wave of doubt over what the immediate future will hold for Spurs but one thing is for certain and that is that chairman Daniel Levy must get his next managerial appointment right and it must be done early in the summer.
Taking too long to find a permanent Conte successor could see Spurs facing a repeat of the 2021 summer where Nuno Esprito Santo was appointed just weeks before the start of the season. The former Wolves boss was significantly far down on the short list but after several candidates rejected the job, Nuno was given the reigns at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium that he held for under four months.
There looks set to be significant competition in the managerial market at the end of the season with London rivals Chelsea also in search of a new head coach. Luis Enrique and Julian Nagelsmann have been linked with both clubs while Mauricio Pochettino could make a sensational return to north London.
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Regardless of the new manager search, a centre-back is an absolute transfer priority for the club. Inter's Alessandro Bastoni is the obvious candidate, but a stay in Italy looks highly likely for the 24-year-old who has been earmarked as the future captain of Nerazzurri.
Pau Torres is also an option for Spurs with a left-footed central defensive partner for Cristian Romero the ultimate desire. Evan Ndicka also fits into the category as he looks set to leave Eintracht Frankfurt this summer but a major chance could present itself to Spurs if one other defensive transfer takes place.
According to the Evening Standard, Manchester City and Liverpool are planning to make a summer swoop for Chelsea star Levi Colwill. Their interest arrives because of Chelsea's need to meet Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules which can be achieved by selling homegrown talent.
In a hypothetical world, Colwill refuses to sign an extension at Stamford Bridge and signs for Pep Guardiola's City. The 20-year-old joining would mean six natural centre-backs are at Etihad Stadium and while City are known for their ludicrous squad depth, an exit would likely have to be sanctioned.
Of Ruben Dias, John Stones, Nathan Ake, Manuel Akanji and Aymeric Laporte, a departure for the latter would be the most likely and that is where Spurs come in. At 28, Laporte is likely in the prime of his career but he has made just seven Premier League appearances this season and is said to be considering his future.
A transfer to Italy or return to Spain has been rumoured but having been in England for five years, Laporte to Spurs could be perfect for both parties. Spending half a decade playing Premier League football likely means the defender is settled and could be tempted by remaining in England.
City, having seen the negative effects of selling their players to Premier League rivals with Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko huge driving forces in Arsenal's title challenge, could swiftly reject any enquiry. However, from Spurs' point of view it is too good of an opportunity to not at least try and capitalise on.
According to CIES Football Observatory, Laporte is valued at €60million euros (£53.1m) and while that price seems steep, if his arrival can offer the success Arsenal have seen this season, it will be worth every penny. Gabriel Magalhaes was in a similar position to Romero at the start of the season with his ability clear but his rash decisions dominating the headlines.
However, since forming a partnership with the composed William Saliba, he has been magnificent. Laporte and Romero could also combine to create the perfect partnership with Laporte's clear ability in possession and calmness honed at City contrasting perfectly with Romero's vigorous defensive style.
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