Tottenham now looking at signing league leader’s 26-year-old centre-back in January transfer window

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Tottenham Hotspur are now considering a move for Union Saint-Gilloise defender and Japan international Koki Machida in January.

That’s according to 90min who share that Tottenham and Ange Postecoglou have been impressed with the left-sided centre-back.

Koki Machida is considered to have the physical qualities needed to play in Ange’s high defensive line, and could act as cover for Micky van de Ven at Tottenham.

It has long been considered that Tottenham would prioritise the signing of a centre-back in January, even before an injury suffered by their Dutch defender. 

Although Cristian Romero and van de Ven have proved an incredibly resolute pairing, Ange doesn’t seem to trust his options beyond.

A duo of Eric Dier and Ben Davies saw Spurs dramatically change their playing philosophy in a late defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers.

And when Postecoglou has had more time to build his squad, and more transfer windows to conduct in, that’s unlikely to be the case.

Machida, who has just four caps for his country, could prove a much better stylistic fit under Postecoglou, who knows Japanese football well.

Tottenham are now interested in signing Koki Machida in January

It’s bound to be a very busy window for Spurs in January, one made even more crucial by recent issues.

And given the injury to James Maddison, Tottenham have now made their stance on Giovani Lo Celso very clear.

Spurs can’t afford to lose any more options in their thin squad, and additions are sorely needed.

It looked as if Tottenham may be afforded the pleasure of fairly slow squad build this season.

The starting XI was looking very established, and the lack of cup competitions meant the schedule was demanding.

However, two key injuries to the spine of the side may have changed plans entirely.

And Tottenham pursuing a deal for Koki Machida could transpire to be a smart move – a player once considered by Tony Bloom and Brighton Hove Albion.

Signing Machida might also not demand the biggest fee, meaning Spurs can target additional improvements.