During a hectic transfer window, Tottenham is set to add a highly-rated defender as their third acquisition: report

Tottenham may add more players to their roster before the transfer market closes, having already added Timo Werner and Radu Dragusin this month.

According to reports, Tottenham started negotiating early for a possible third signing in the January transfer window.

Timo Werner and Radu Dragusin were previously signed by Ange Postecoglou this month; the Lilywhites have a history of injury setbacks in the early going of the 2023–24 season.

Given that Christian Romero and defender Micky van de Ven have just lately recovered to full strength, Spurs are reportedly looking for a different center-back option.

According to Sky in Germany, Tottenham have ‘put the feelers out’ about a possible deal for Borussia Monchengladbach defender Ko Itakura.

The 26-year-old can play in both defence and midfield, having previously played for Schalke and Monchengladbach in Germany. Itakura also spent three years with Manchester City, from 2019 to 2022, but did not make a first-team appearance for Pep Guardiola’s side.

Two loan spells at FC Groningen and Schalke were preceded by a permanent move to Borussia Park in the summer of 2022, where the defender has continued to impress.

The former Kawasaki Frontale man also piqued the interest of numerous suitors at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, as Japan advanced from their group before being eliminated by Croatia in the Round of 16.

Ikatura was named to Marca’s ‘Team of the Group Stage’ for his exploits with Hajime Moriyasu’s side, and Spurs manager Postecoglou has long liked the centre-back.

After recovering from an ankle injury, the former City player has been in and out of action this season, but both Tottenham and Liverpool are thought to be interested in signing the defender.