Fabrizio Romano says Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou is really keen on £13m target

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Tottenham Hotspur boss Ange Postecoglou is “especially” keen on the idea of signing Ko Itakura.

This is according to Fabrizio Romano, who spoke to GiveMeSport on Wednesday about the reported Spurs target.

Tottenham have been linked with the Borussia Monchengladbach defender and Japan international in recent days.

According to Sky Germany, both Spurs and Liverpool have put out feelers to sign Itakura, a player who Postecoglou apparently wanted when he was Celtic.

The report also claimed that the player has a release clause which will be activated in the summer worth up to €15million (£13million).

Tottenham target Ko Itakura has ‘always’ been on Ange Postecoglou list

Romano, speaking about the state of play involving Itakura, said the Spurs boss is very keen on the player, and Liverpool are also in the mix.

However, Gladbach are apparently trying to tie their player down to a new contract which will change the value of his release clause.

Romano told GiveMeSport: “It’s a player they like, especially Ange Postecoglou.

“From what I heard Postecoglou already knew the player very well since he was at Celtic, so he always had him on the list.

“Also, Liverpool sent their scouts multiple times to follow the boy. So I think Tottenham and Liverpool could be in the mix in the summer transfer window for Itakura.

“But from what I’m hearing Borussia Monchengladbach are really pushing to sign a new contract with Itakura because the current contract includes a release clause, not valid in January but valid in the summer transfer window.

“They want to change the value of the release clause and to improve his salary.”

Tottenham target Ko Itakura likened to Jan Vertonghen

Itakura has been playing at Gladbach since 2022, when he made a permanent €5million (£4.3million) move from Manchester City.

The Citizens signed the player in 2019 from A-League outfit Kawasaki Frontale, and he took in several loan spells while on the Premier League club’s books.

Although Itakura didn’t make a senior appearance for City, he has kicked on since leaving the Etihad Stadium and is now impressing in the Bundesliga.

The Bundesliga website likened the reported Tottenham target to Belgian powerhouse Jan Vertonghen.

“Rangy and quick over the ground, Itakura makes defending look easy,” they wrote.

“In theory right-footed but comfortable enough on the ball to have regularly played as the left-sided centre-half, he is similar in style to Benfica’s former Tottenham defender Jan Vertonghen.”

All in all, Itakura looks like a great shout for Spurs. While it’s unlikely we’ll see much unfold on this front in January, it’s certainly one to watch from now until the summer.