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Spurs boss Ange seeing deals done quickly to boost top-four push
TOTTENHAM are doing smart transfer deals to give ‘Ange Ball’ a top-four bounce.
Spurs have already confirmed the signing of former Chelsea forward Timo Werner (below) on loan with the option of a £30million permanent deal in the summer.
They have also agreed a £21m-plus deal for Genoa defender Radu Dragusin after seeing off late interest from Bayern Munich, despite the Germans offering more money.
It is smart business, with both fitting in with boss Ange Postecoglou’s tactics and style as they look to build on their impressive first half of the season.
And they both arrive in time to give Tottenham a boost ahead of
Sunday’s trip to
Old Trafford, where they can strengthen their own top-four chances – and damage Manchester United’s at the same time.
They are also two early moves – a million miles from chairman Daniel Levy’s old reputation of pushing deals to the wire – to maximise the benefit of the signings for the rest of the season.
It will give both Werner and Dragusin a chance to adjust to Postecgolou’s style and demands for high-pressing football with a high defensive line.
Furthermore, while topfour rivals like Arsenal are hamstrung financially, Spurs are giving themselves a tonic when they need it.
Werner was hit-and-miss for Chelsea – he won the Champions League but was also known for being wasteful in front of goal.
But Postecoglou wants him because of his work rate, closing down opponents and pace.
Werner is renowned for his pressing game and Spurs can get the best out of him. They are also signing a player with a point to prove in English football and a determination to get back into the Germany squad for the Euros after a frustrating time at RB Leipzig.
Spurs now have a forward line with options. Richarlison is improving through the middle while Werner and Heung-min Son have energy in the wide attacking areas, with Brennan Johnson also full of potential. The new competition means he will have to raise his game.
Dragusin is versatile and was clearly catching eyes with Bayern, Napoli and AC Milan all keen.
The Romania defender has often played as a left-sided centre-back but is good enough on the ball to play anywhere across the back.
Dragusin’s agent revealed Bayern offered a bigger contract, but eventually decided Spurs was the better career move.
Agent Florin Manea told Romanian newspaper GSP: “There was more money from Bayern, but he decided that this is the right step for his career. I did not sleep at all as we weighed up the pros and cons.
“Both Napoli and AC Milan wanted him, but he has dreamed of playing in the Premier League from a young age. He chose his career before money.
“I don’t know how many would have refused the offer we had from Bayern.”
■ SPURS will not allow Eric
Dier to join Bayern on the cheap.
The Bundesliga club want the 29-year-old defender, who is out of contract in the summer.
The Londoners are likely to seek around £3m, but nothing has been agreed between the clubs yet.