Double Tottenham transfer facing collapse, as three huge concerns put bigger deal on the brink

Two Tottenham transfers – both involving centre-halves – are in danger of collapsing, and three reasons why the bigger deal could be aborted despite a transfer fee being agreed have emerged.

Spurs have already addressed many of the issues they sought to remedy already in the transfer market this summer. A new starting goalkeeper in the form of Guglielmo Vicario has been signed. Elsewhere, James Maddison’s arrival will add creativity to the midfield, while Manor Solomon has added depth out wide.

However, arguably the most pressing concern – overhauling a sub-par defence – is yet to be addressed.

Tottenham had appeared to be on the verge of two deals that would’ve got the ball rolling. Indeed, a move for Blackburn Rovers centre-back Ashley Phillips was thought to be agreed. Furthermore, Spartak Moscow saw a €15m bid for Davinson Sanchez accepted by Tottenham.

However, both deals are now under a dark cloud for wildly different reasons.

Firstly, Fabrizio Romano and the Athletic detailed why Sanchez’s move to Russia might not go ahead.

Sanchez has three major concerns

Romano claimed the deal “depends on the player” who is yet to make a final decision. Colombian journalist Pipe Sierra claimed Sanchez was open to moving to Russia, though the Athletic state Sanchez has three major concerns.

The outlet notes Russian clubs are currently banned from competing in European competition. How long that absence might go on remains unknown and is a direct result of the conflict with Ukraine in the region.

Secondly, the moral dilemma of moving to a Russian club given real world events was cited by the Athletic. There’d also be security considerations Sanchez would have to carefully mull over.

The final reason stems from the fact black players have frequently been the target of vile racist abuse in Russia.

As such, the Athletic conclude personal terms between Sanchez and Spartak Moscow are yet to be agreed and they may never be.

Sanchez understandably has ‘reservations’ over the move and ‘there is currently scepticism as to whether he will agree’ to join Spartak.

Tottenham told to pay almost double

Elsewhere, Blackburn have moved the goalposts with regards to Tottenham’s pursuit of Ashley Phillips.

The 18-year-old was viewed as a long-term project by Spurs and would not have prevented the club from signing a more immediate starter if bought.

Fabrizio Romano and the Guardian both reported Spurs had struck an agreement worth £3m plus a further £2m in add-ons to sign Phillips last week. However, the Athletic now reveal Blackburn have pulled the rug from under Tottenham.

Indeed, Blackburn have reportedly ‘upped the asking price to £5m plus £4.5m in add-ons’. In effect, Spurs are being asked to pay nearly double.

The Athletic conclude there is still ‘confidence’ a deal for Phillips can be ironed out, though the outlook regarding Sanchez’s move appears far bleaker.

In the event Sanchez to Spartak does fall through, the Colombian has other admirers in the form of Galatasaray and LaLiga pair Sevilla and Real Betis.

Tottenham in danger of pulling plug completely on centre-back deal after asking price more than tripled.