Tottenham Hotspur have held talks over the transfer of Sime Vrsaljko in an attempt to beat off some of Europe’s biggest clubs for the promising Dynamo Zagreb attacking right back.
Harry Redknapp, the Tottenham manager, has wanted to strengthen the right flank since last summer after growing increasingly unhappy with mistakes from Vedran Corluka and Alan Hutton.
Tottenham spoke with Vrsaljko’s representatives before the goalless draw against AC Milan at White Hart Lane on Wednesday that secured their place in the quarter-finals of the Champions League.
He mainly operates at right back, but, at 6ft, he can play at centre half. His strengths are his pace and ability to drive forward, which means he can also play on the right side of midfield.
Arsenal have had an offer rejected for the 19-year-old, who has played at all levels for Croatia, including for the team that reached the semi-finals of the European Under-19 Championship in France last year.
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Corluka began the season at right back but lost his place to Hutton, the Scot, who has since been dropped after blundering against Fulham in the FA Cup fourth round in January. Corluka regained his place against Milan on Wednesday.
Redknapp was interested in Glen Johnson, the Liverpool right back, but his wages proved a problem in January. Tottenham also have high hopes for Kyle Walker, who has been widely praised for his attacking performances while on loan at Aston Villa and Queens Park Rangers this season.