Tottenham now making moves to beat Aston Villa to Pierre Kalulu’s signature

Tottenham Hotspur are now making moves to sign a “phenomenal” Champions League player, who is attracting widespread interest from within the Premier League.

Spurs keen on new defender amid Van De Ven uncertainty

Micky van de Ven has been one of Tottenham’s most important players this season, making 29 appearances in all competitions, but the centre-back’s future in north London is now in doubt, as he is refusing to sign a new contract while Thomas Frank is at the club.

That is according to transfer insider Dean Jones, who said: “He has been one of the few players to show spells of consistency and decent form this season, but Tottenham face losing him if their season is not salvaged as he has been unconvinced by the project.”

It remains to be seen how much longer Frank is able to last in the Spurs dugout, with his side in torrid form, winning just one of their last eight matches in all competitions, and the 2-1 defeat against a struggling West Ham United side last time out was a particular low point.

The Lilywhites will no doubt be hoping Van de Ven has a change of heart, should a top manager be brought in to replace the Dane, but amid the uncertainty surrounding the Dutchman’s future, new centre-backs are being identified as targets.

Last week, it was revealed Tottenham are now in the race for Juventus defender Pierre Kalulu, and there has now been a development in their pursuit of the 25-year-old.

According to a report from Tutto Juve (via Sport Witness), Spurs are now making moves to sign Kalulu, who is being targeted for the summer transfer window, rather than January.

Aston Villa and Manchester United have also set their sights on the Juventus star who has been described as a ‘big player’. He could cost €30m (£26m), although there are doubts over whether the Italian club will even be willing to sanction a departure.

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Thomas Frank is under serious pressure

The north Londoners are set to battle Villa for the Frenchman’s signature, however, having been particularly attracted by his versatility, with the defender able to play at both centre-back and right-back.

Kalulu could be “phenomenal” signing for Spurs

Lauded as “phenomenal” by scout Jacek Kulig, the one-time France international has been a key player for Juventus this season, making 28 appearances in all competitions, displaying his quality on the front foot by contributing one goal and four assists.

With Pedro Porro receiving criticism due to his defending, it would make sense to bring in a more defensive right-back this summer, and the Lyon-born ace has played a part in Juventus keeping four clean sheets in their last seven Serie A games, particularly impressing against Sassuolo.

Kalulu, who has made six Champions League appearances this season, could be a solid signing for Tottenham, but their number one priority should be to secure Van de Ven’s future, given how important the Netherlands international has been this season.