Jose Mourinho wants Borna Barisic to replace Jan Vertonghen in the summer
According to 90min.com (h/t The Sun), Jose Mourinho wants to replace the out-of-contract Jan Vertonghen with £22million-rated Rangers defender Borna Barisic in the summer.
The 27-year-old left-back is a regular for Steven Gerrard’s side and has notched up two goals and an impressive 14 assist in 43 matches for the Scottish side this season. He has also been a part of an impressive 24 clean sheets.
Tottenham are looking to sign a cover for their fullbacks given the situation. Jan Vertonghen is out of contract in the summer, with Danny Rose also likely to leave.
Promising youngster Japhet Tanganga, who can play at both centre-back and full-back could also leave if he isn’t offered a new contract before the summer.
Barisic signed for Rangers from NK Osijek for just £2.2million in 2018. His value has now skyrocketed, thanks to his impressive performances under Steven Gerrard at the Ibrox stadium.
Italian giants Roma were keen on signing the player in January. Rangers were not willing to let go of their asset midway through the season. The Italians are expected to return in the summer with a fresh offer.
According to the report, Tottenham will face considerable competition to sign the player, with a number of clubs keen on securing his signature.
Barisic initially failed to make an impact at the international level. He made his debut for Croatia in 2017 but was axed from the world cup squad the following year.
His consistent performances in the SPL have helped him win the left-back spot for his national side. He looks on course to be the default starter in his position at the European Championships in the summer.
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Tottenham have been defensively susceptible and have kept the least number of clean sheets in the Premier League this season. Whether Spurs can beat off competition to sign Barisic remains to be seen.
