Second Tottenham January transfer ‘confirmed’ as defender to arrive after Ange Postecoglou call

Tottenham are set to announce the arrival of a defender in the January transfer window but it’s not exactly the one Ange Postecoglou is hoping for. Spurs are aiming to do their business quickly this month in order to strengthen a threadbare squad decimated by injuries, suspensions and now mid-season international commitments.

The club have already opened talks with Genoa defender Radu Dragusin having scouted Nice’s Jean-Clair Todibo in the lead up to this month as well, football.london understands, but it is left-back Serio Reguilon who is to be moving first. The Spaniard joined Manchester United on loan for the season as an emergency back-up option during Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia’s absence through injury, but will now be returning to Hotspur Way.

The Athletic report that the 27-year-old, who had a break clause inserted in his deal that was always intended to be activated, will have his stay in Manchester cut short. Reguilon played 12 times for United, including nine in the league with just four starts. His contract in north London expires in just 18 months.

It comes with Spurs looking to reinforce their backline which has been stretched through long-term injuries to Micky van de Ven and now Cristian Romero. The pair are the first-choice central options for Postecoglou but will be out for the rest of the month at least.

Tottenham have been using full-backs Ben Davies and Emerson Royal together in the middle for much of the past six weeks and have done well to remain in touch with the top four chasing pack. Postecoglou’s men are just six points off Liverpool in first and one away from Arsenal above them in fourth.

Manchester United, meanwhile, have fallen eight points adrift of Spurs, losing nine of their opening 20 league games. Newcastle are even further back with Chelsea down in 10th.

The January window provides a chance for Postecoglou to strengthen his side and increase the gap to their rivals for the European spots but it is fast business as much as anything that is imperative. Tottenham are close to walking away from talks with Nice for Todibo with little chance of an agreement being reached swiftly. football.london also understands that Conor Gallagher will resist a transfer away from Chelsea with Tottenham holding a keen interest in him.

Spurs are yet to complete any incomings just two days into the window but have announced the return of fellow loanee Dane Scarlett. He was recalled from his spell at Ipswich without scoring a goal.

Spurs have also been tasked with replacing club captain Son Heung-min whilst he is at the Asian Cup. Yves Bissouma and Pape Matar Sarr will be out for most, if not all, of January due to their role with Mali and Senegal respectively at the African Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.