Serie A side reject Tottenham’s £12.9m bid for 22-year-old versatile defensive starlet

Transfer News: Tottenham Hotspur have bid rejected for Bologna defender Takehiro Tomiyasu

According to Daily Mail, Serie A side Bologna have rejected a formal bid from Tottenham Hotspur for their versatile defender Takehiro Tomiyasu.

Signing a central defender and a right-back is something Spurs want this summer. And Tomiyasu, who is full international for Japan, is capable of playing in both positions.

But Spurs would have to bid more than their offer of £12.9million plus £2.6million in add-ons. Bologna are holding out for a fee of around £17.2million for their 22-year-old player who is contracted until 2024.

Takehiro Tomiyasu of Bologna is subject to heavy transfer interest from Tottenham Hotspur. (Twitter/BolognaFC)

Tottenham’s bid being rejected does not mean the deal is off. The report mentions that negotiations are ongoing and an agreement can be reached in the future.

Tomiyasu deal in the balance

Ever since Jan Vertonghen left N17 to join SL Benfica, the defence has looked like it needs a sturdier player to fill in for him. Eric Dier has done a good job alongside Toby Alderweireld, but the Lilywhites can do with some strengthening in that department.

According to journalist Rudy Galetti (h/t Football.london), Serge Aurier is keen to make a return to Parc des Princes under Mauricio Pochettino at PSG. With the Ivorian linked with an exit, right-back is also a position that Daniel Levy should pay close attention to.

Takehiro Tomiyasu would be a solid addition at Tottenham Hotspur. (imago Images)

And Tomiyasu could be that man. Spurs fans would hope that the club can cough up the extra cash and bring the Japanese to the club for next season.

With Nuno Espirito Santo now installed as their permanent manager and Fabio Paratici operating in his role as their Director of Football, the club can shift their focus on the incoming and outgoings this summer.

More Tottenham News:

• Atalanta make a bid for Tottenham target Takehiro Tomiyasu claims Fabrizio Romano

• Tottenham Hotspur appoint Nuno Espirito Santo as the new manager

• Transfer News: Tottenham star Harry Winks monitored by Aston Villa

Apart from keeping hold of their star names, the club must make sure they strengthen in key areas before next season. Attack and central defence seem like the two areas that can do with a facelift.