Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly among the clubs that are vying for the signature of 22-year-old Japanese defender Takehiro Tomiyasu.
According to a report by The Athletic, Tottenham Hotspur have stepped up their efforts to sign Takehiro Tomiyasu from Bologna in the summer transfer window, having already submitted their offer for the 22-year-old defender. Manchester United are also interested in signing the Japanese international.
Takehiro Tomiyasu has made remarkable progress since joining Bologna from Sint-Truiden in the summer of 2019. A solid customer at the back for the Serie A outfit, the youngster has impressed with his ability to play as a centre-back as well as a right-back equally adeptly.
To date, the 22-year-old has made 63 appearances for Bologna while chipping in with three goals and as many assists. The Japanese defender’s progress has certainly not gone unnoticed, with two of the biggest clubs in the Premier League – Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur – having their sights firmly set on him.
Manchester United are believed to be in the market for a centre-back this summer as they search for a dependable long-term central defensive partner for Harry Maguire. With Victor Lindelof and Eric Bailly flattering to deceive in clutch moments last season, the Red Devils have grown more keen on the acquisition of a central defender.
To that end, Manchester United have been heavily linked with Raphael Varane, although they have also been identifying potential alternatives for the Frenchman, with Tomiyasu a viable target. On the other hand, Tottenham Hotspur are more serious with their interest in the 22-year-old.
The interest from Spurs makes a great deal of sense, considering Toby Alderweireld has endured a sharp decline in performance levels in the past year or so. In addition, Davinson Sanchez, Eric Dier and Joe Rodon have all been unconvincing of late, which is why the addition of a versatile player like Tomiyasu could be a step in the right direction for Tottenham, who have also been linked with Conor Coady.
As for Manchester United, Tomiyasu’s ability to play as a right-back could come in handy, seeing as they have been hotly pursuing a move for Kieran Trippier. As things stand, though, Tottenham are making serious efforts to sign the Japanese defender, having submitted a €15 million bid for him.
However, Bologna are looking to recoup €17 million in exchange for the youngster’s services in addition to bonuses. What now remains to be seen is if Tottenham table an improved offer for Tomiyasu and if Manchester United firm up their interest in swooping him away from the Serie A club.
