Tottenham quoted £13m for 6ft 3in international centre-back

Tottenham Hotspur have been linked with Koki Machida in recent weeks as they continue searching for defensive reinforcements.

Now, a report from Belgium has claimed that Spurs could land the Union Saint-Gilloise centre-back for less than £15million.

Voetbal Primeur has reported that Tottenham already asked about Machida’s situation a few weeks ago.

The newspaper reports that Spurs are keen on the defender, who they see as a possible replacement for Micky van de Ven.

The report also warns that Union SG have placed a ‘hefty’ price tag of €15million, or around £13million, for the 26-year-old.

Tottenham set sights on Koki Machida

Machida has been impressing in his first season in Europe, clocking up 18 appearances in all competitions and helping his team go top of the Belgian table.

The 6ft 3in defender has also won five caps for Japan, having made his debut in September this year.

The fact Machida is a new signing at the club, tied down to a deal until 2026 and a key player all mean Union SG have no intention of letting him go easily.

Ange Postecoglou will know of Machida fairly well, having managed his Yokohama F Marinos side against the player’s former team Kashima Antlers.

Tottenham really do need to bolster their defensive ranks. While Van de Ven and Cristian Romero are a formidable pairing, Spurs don’t have much quality beyond them.

And as we’ve seen in recent weeks, an injury crisis can spring up out of nowhere, so strength in depth is absolutely crucial for any club.

For an upper Premier League club like Tottenham, £13million is a modest fee. Let’s see whether they intensify their interest and potentially make a bid in the January transfer window.