Spurs transfer news: Spurs scouts watch Joachim Andersen against Genoa

Tottenham have scouted Sampdoria defender Joachim Andersen against Genoa at the weekend, according to Gazzetta dello Sport. (h/t Sky Sports)

The Danish international has made steady progress since joining Sampdoria from FC Twente in the summer of 2017. While he barely featured in his maiden campaign with the Serie A outfit, the defender has gone on to become an indispensable figure this season.

Joachim Andersen turns 23 next month and has been a regular this season, making 33 appearances in all competitions for Sampdoria. His solid showing in defence haven’t gone unnoticed, with Inter Milan also believed to be interested in his signature. (h/t Sky Sports)

In particular, a lot of interest is coming from Tottenham, who very recently have scouted the defender. At Spurs, Mauricio Pochettino has plenty of central defensive options at his disposal. But a close look shows that Jan Vertonghen will turn 32 later this month, while Toby Alderweireld’s future remains up in the air. Davinson Sanchez and Juan Foyth are both young and need time to be considered as regular options.

Interest in Andersen perhaps is due to Alderweireld’s hesitancy to extend his stay at our club. Alderweireld has been a strong part of Tottenham’s defence for a few seasons now but is heavily linked with a summer switch to Manchester United. The 30-year-old has a clause in his Spurs contract that allows him to leave for a paltry £26 million within the final two weeks of this summer’s transfer window. (h/t the Daily Mirror)

Read more Tottenham Hotspur transfer news, click here – Spurs transfer news

Pochettino could be preparing for Alderweireld’s departure by bringing in Andersen, who would compete with Jan Vertonghen, Juan Foyth and Davinson Sanchez at centre-half. Andersen is rated very highly in Europe and would be a long-term option for Spurs to consider, with the 22-year-old also showing his leadership abilities this season.