Tottenham Hotspur are not hanging around in the transfer market this winter and are reportedly set to add a brand new defender to their ranks before the January window has even opened.
Ange Postecoglou's side returned to winning ways against Newcastle United on Sunday after picking up just one point from their previous five Premier League matches.
The north London club have been plagued by injuries in recent weeks, with Postecoglou forced to play full-backs Ben Davies and Emerson Romero at centre-back.
To avoid a similar situation in future, Spurs are reportedly on the brink of signing Genoa centre-back Radu Dragusin, sending a clear message to rivals Arsenal and the rest of the Premier League that they intend to get their business done early.
Advert
That's according to Romanian outlet Fanatik, who claim that the player is "very close" to a €30 million move to Tottenham.
Draguskin's agent, Florin Manea, has since lifted the lid on negotiations, revealing that there are "good signs".
He said (via Fanatik) "I met them [Tottenham] in London a few days ago. They are also at the match where I am today, we will see Genoa - Juve. Let's see, there are good signs.
"Those there would like to transfer him. He did not sign the extension with Genoa. I don't think it's a case of extension.
Discussing the price Tottenham would need to pay to land his signature, Manea added: "Around €30 million or €32m, there we are. This is how I see it.
"A blow for Romanian football, he represents Romanian football. I hope, like other players, we will be on the radars of the big teams. There are many clubs at the match, it is not a definitive discussion.
"We don't know if Genoa will agree to let him go now, but we are here to discuss. I don't think anyone will pay 30 million to play at Genoa for half a year.
He continued: "We are calm, he is concentrating on the match with Juventus, a pride match. It's a good situation, he's being courted, he's also thinking about the national team, we're thinking about his career.
"Yesterday I got a call and someone was asking me if he was going there and not playing. It's a good moment, I hope it's zero moment, when we start to grow again, to have players in strong teams, that also depends a lot on their evolution in the European championship.
"Radu's desire to reach the Premier League is important for us. He has a very good manager, he will make him a very good salary. I can't give amounts, but it's way more than what he earns at Genoa."
Furthermore, Draguskin confirmed his desire to play in the Premier League recently, stating: "It's a place where I will evolve the best and develop the best.
"I will make the decision when the time is right, but right now we have more important things to do than this. For me, market share is not something that motivates me. That's the job of the specialists, it doesn't influence me."
He also explained that his playing style has been compared to Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk.
"There are many rumours, but there is nothing written," he said. "I never had a role model or idol. I saw that I am similar to Van Dijk, but I don't have an idol"
Topics: Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal, Transfers, Ange Postecoglou, Premier League, Football
Joe Adams