Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly looking to bolster their defensive ranks in the January transfer window.
Spurs have suffered a downturn in form after suffering a spate of injuries that have depleted Ange Postecoglou’s squad.
The Tottenham defence has been particularly weakened by the absence of first-choice centre-backs Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero.
According to one report, Spurs could look to strengthen their defensive ranks with a player who Postecoglou has lost to three times during his career.
Voetbal Primeur has reported that Tottenham are eyeing Union Saint-Gilloise defender Koki Machida, and asked about his situation a few weeks ago.
The report warns that Union SG have placed a ‘hefty’ price tag of €15million, or around £13million, for the 26-year-old, who Spurs apparently see as a Van de Ven replacement.
Tottenham target Koki Machida has good record against Ange Postecoglou
Machida only joined Union SG this summer, but already he has made a name for himself, clocking up 18 appearances in all competitions and helping his team go top of the Belgian table.
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The rapid 6ft 3in defender – whose contract runs until 2026 – has also won five caps for Japan, having made his debut in September this year.
Prior to his move to Belgium, Machida played for J-League outfit Kashima Antlers, where he routinely found himself up against Postecoglou’s Yokohama F Marinos.
Postecoglou’s record against Kashima Antlers reads three wins, one draw and six defeats. And Machida played in three of those victories over the current Spurs boss (the latter three).
Postecoglou has made quite a name for himself in terms of signing gems from the J-League, or who he knows from his time in the competition.
The Tottenham boss will no doubt know Machida’s qualities well, and as such, it’ll be interesting to see whether he gets Spurs to push for a move in January.