Tottenham Hotspur have registered an interest in Union Saint-Gilloise centre-back Koki Machida, according to Voetbal Belgie.
The 26-year-old has been a key player for Les Unionistes this season, featuring in 17 Jupiler Pro League appearances and 24 appearances across all competitions for Alexander Blessin’s side this season.
Ange Postecoglou has bemoaned the need for reinforcement at Spurs backline, with links with Jean-Clair Todibo, Radu Dragusin, and most recently, Machida.
Voetbal Belgie claims that Tottenham now have Japan International, Machida on their agenda as they aim to make reinforcements this January.
Saint-Gilloise are leading the Jupiler Pro League and are intent on keeping their squad intact until next summer, and could rebuff a move for Machida whom they signed for €1m from Kashima Antlers last year.
However, the report reveals that a deal could be considered if Tottenham offer up to £13m for the Japan International.
Union Saint-Gilloise, currently topping the league table, is determined to retain their squad post the winter market but faces a challenge as Tottenham expresses interest in their key defender.
Player in demand
Union Saint-Gilloise have only conceded 20 goals from 20 games in the Jupiler Pro League this season and are yet to concede multiple goals with Machida on the pitch which has only happened on one occasion.
This shows how instrumental Japan International is for Alexander Blessin’s side, as they are keen on keeping him for the longest foreseeable future.
However, that could prove difficult as Tottenham are keen on the player and could offer a good financial package for the club and the player.
Following the injuries to Micky van den Ven and Christian Romero, Ange Postecoglou is keen on adding a quality centre-back to his squad, to help revive their top-four aspirations as they currently sit six points behind first-placed Liverpool.
Machida has caught the eye this season with his remarkable performances and could prove to be a masterstroke if Spurs secure the transfer of the Japanese International.
