Spurs must shift focus in centre-back hunt as Alessandro Buongiorno nears Napoli move

Tottenham Hotspur FC have made signing a centre-back a thing of priority for the summer transfer window and they have been linked with a move for a plethora of CBs in the build-up to the window, and Italian defender Alessandro Buongiorno is among the names linked with a move to White Hart Lane.

There is an appalling need for a central defender at Hotspur Way following the hurdles that Ange faced in the recently concluded season. He was forced to play full-backs in the heart of the defence as fillers at some point and in retrospect, this is something the Australian gaffer would be looking to avoid going into the next season. Daniel Levy and other officials at Hotspur Way would want to add depth to the roster at N17 that provides Ange with the tools to address the defensive frailties exposed this season.

Buongiorno secured by Napoli

While the Lilywhites pondered on the right option to bring to the club this summer, Napoli have leapfrogged the North Londoners to acquire his services. 

Torino President Urbano Cairo wanted a transfer valued at around €55M to sell his prime asset whilst Il Mattino (calcionapoli24.it), reports that the Naples-based club are not prepared to pay more than €30M. The report states that the deal would not be worth more than €35M as Buongiorno nears Gli Azzurri move. Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano also acknowledged Napoli advancement.

For Tottenham, this does not change much except a name reduced from the target list. The club will still be looking to bring a central defender in the summer transfer window to ensure they have the depth and quality needed for a competitive season ahead.

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However, the club will a final opportunity to acquire Alessandro Buongiorno by offering more than what Napoli are offering. It is to be seen if the North Londoners are serious enough to sign the 25-year-old or they move on to other targets.