Report: Tottenham have £22.75m bid rejected for Roma defender Roger Ibanez

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Italian newspaper Il Messaggero have claimed that Tottenham Hotspur have seen a £22.75million bid rejected for Roma defender Roger Ibanez, who joined Paulo Fonseca’s side on an 18-month loan – with an obligation to buy.

Ibanez, 21, joined Roma in January on loan from Atalanta on a loan-to-obligatory-buy deal and has since played 12 times in all competitions for the Serie A giants. Goal claim that Roma will sign Ibanez for a bargain £7million.

Despite still officially being on loan from Atalanta, he is a Roma player given that his loan deal will become permanent at some point throughout 2020-21. Tottenham need a centre-back, and Inter Milan’s Milan Skriniar remains first choice.

But with the Slovakian’s asking price so high, Spurs may be looking elsewhere and Brazil Under-23 cap Ibanez has clearly emerged as a target. But Tottenham’s £22.75million offer has been rejected – even though Roma would make a £15million profit.

TBR’s view – Ibanez could be a star going forward

But right now, is he the answer that Tottenham require? No. Spurs are conceding goals and making mistakes at the back – so much so that they are yet to secure a clean sheet in five league and cup appearances.

They need an experienced defender who can join Tottenham and immediately make a difference. Skriniar is that man, while Chelsea’s Antonio Rudiger would also be in that category. Ibanez needs time, but could become that.