Tottenham make Marc Guehi one of their top defensive targets

Tottenham are keen on a move for Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi and have earmarked him as one of their top defensive targets.

Marc Guehi, 22, has proven to be a fantastic acquisition for Crystal Palace. Having signed from Chelsea in 2021, the centre-back has made 63 Premier League appearances and is now the skipper of the Eagles.

Crystal Palace are going through a difficult season and recently sacked their manager Patrick Vieira. Considering their position in the table, talented players like Guehi could look to move on at the end of the 2022/23 campaign. The three-cap England international’s performances have caught the attention of a number of Premier League clubs, including Tottenham.

Tottenham are reportedly prepared to pay £45m for Guehi but Crystal Palace are holding out for £65m, which means the north London side are some way short of matching the defender’s valuation. While Manchester United are also interested in the player, Spurs are believed to be closest to concluding a deal in the summer.

Spurs to undergo a defensive shake-up?

Tottenham are set to make changes to their squad in the summer and will undoubtedly sign at least one central defender. Their defence has been shaky over the course of the campaign, leaking 40 goals in 28 Premier League games.

Davinson Sanchez has been at the club since 2016 but simply hasn’t lived up to his potential, while Eric Dier continues to blow hot and cold. Clement Lenglet joined Spurs on a season-long loan from Barcelona last summer and will return to Spain in June, having struggled to show why the north London side should pursue a permanent transfer.

Cristian Romero has been the standout defender for Antonio Conte’s side and he could flourish more with a reliable partner beside him next season.

Is Marc Guehi on top of Spurs’ defensive wishlist?

Marc Guehi has caught the eye of many Premier League clubs with his solid performances at the back for Crystal Palace over the last two years. He has shown the ability to play for a bigger club and the opportunity to join Spurs could be an enticing idea for the youngster.

The 22-year-old will want to establish himself as a mainstay in defence for club and country in the coming seasons. Joining a bigger club than Palace and playing in Europe will definitely boost Guehi’s chances of doing so. It remains to be seen whether Palace can stay in the top flight under new manager Roy Hodgson. If they drop down to the Championship, Spurs’ chances of signing Guehi at a cheaper price than the reported £65m will only get stronger.