Tottenham squad analysis part three: defensive targets

This is part three of my squad analysis. Parts One and Two can be found here and here.

There’s no doubting we have a shortage of centre backs at the club. We’re well stocked in the right back position (Hutton, Naughton, Corluka, Chimbonda) and on the left hand side of defence (BAE, Bale, Corluka) but we have just three senior out and out centre backs. Two of these three are incredibly injury prone and it’s sods law that these two injury prone players are our favoured centre back partnership. As discussed in part two, I really don’t know how much longer King’s got in the game, and Woodgate isn’t the picture of fitness either. That leaves Dawson, who is also out injured at the minute.

Below I will review four defensive targets. All four are credible possibilities if you believe what you read in thr newspapers (and frankly, if you do believe all what you read in the paper’s gossip columns, you’re deluded).

SEBASTIEN BASSONG

According to the tabloids the most likely Spurs signing. It’s been reported we’ve offered £10 million for the French centre back, who plays for Championship side Newcastle United. Bassong has also been linked with Arsenal and Manchester “mega-money” City, though it’s reported he favours a move to Spurs,  where he’s more likely to come across first team football.

I don’t really rate Bassong that highly. We are crying out for centre backs so, if needs be, I wouldn’t be too disappointed if he joined the club but £10 million is a lot of money for a defender who’s not really proven in the Premier League. I’d say offer them around £4 or £5 million, plus Giovani Dos Santos (or someone like that) on a year’s loan.

POSSIBILITY: 8. It’s highly probable Bassong will join and he seems to be ‘Arry’s first choice but I just hope we don’t blow the bank on him. There’s far better alternatives out there.

RYAN SHAWCROSS  

It was a while ago we were linked with the youngster and, understandably, Stoke fans weren’t too happy about the rumours. His name hasn’t really cropped up since but I’d much prefer to see Shawcross playing in white (with a hint of yellow) next season than Bassong. At 21 the defender probably wouldn’t mind being a reserve this season and playing when others are injured, and then taking a more prominent role next term.

When we were linked with him a while ago, the figure being touted about was £2 million plus Zokora. Now unless Harry does a Chimbonda and brings Zokora back, that certain transaction looks unlikely, but Stoke are thought to be keen on Tom Huddlestone. Despite his rather sporadic form, I’ve always rated Huddlestone and would hate to see him go. Stoke might be willing to do business at around £5 or £6 million- a steal for a player so promising. He seems to have disappeared from the Spurs radar though- so a move looks unlikely.

POSSIBILITY: 4. I’d be delighted if we bought Shawcross, but it’s not looking too likely at the ‘mo. A shame, he really did have a good season last year and I could see him as our first choice centre back in a few years time.

MICHAEL TURNER  

Turner is a competent defender and Spurs are known to be interested in capturing the players signature. Turner played in every single minute of Hull’s Premier League campaign, one of only two players to do so (the other being Sylvain Distin). If Turner joined Spurs, his playing time would be significantly decreased, and it’s hard to see the player ever challenging Woody, Dawson or King for a first team spot.

Turner is a fan’s favourite at Hull and they wouldn’t let him go without a fight. He’s won the fans player of the year award three times in a row and has also won the club player of the year award two times in a row. If we were to sign the player, we’d probably have to part with around £7 million. Turner’s a solid player and I feel £7 million is a snip for the guy. He’ll guarantee you stability and strength at the back- and that’s something we desperately need with three defenders out injured.

POSSIBILITY: 7. We are apparantly keen on Turner, but Hull won’t let their player of the year and fans player of the year go cheaply.

CHRISTOPHER SAMBA

He might not play in the way most Spurs fans like- but Christopher Samba is a quality defender. The 6ft 4in centre back has won the hearts of many Blackburn fans during his stay at the club, thanks to his old-fashioned, no-nonsense style of defending. Despite his popularity however, Blackburn would be unable to turn down any bids of £8 million plus due to their poor financial situation.

The lure of playing for a club who (hopefully) won’t be involved in a relegation dogfight come the end of the season might attract Samba to a Spurs move and I for one would be very happy to see him at Spurs. A Samba-King partnership (providing the latter is fit) would scare the living daylights out of any opposition, and with Palacios playing in front of them, the Spurs backbone would be strong.

POSSIBILITY: 6. We could probably land the defender if we spent big, but it seems Bassong is Harry’s first choice.

The above four defenders would all give Tottenham some much needed depth at the back, but it’s unlikely Spurs would sign more than one. It seems Bassong is the club’s favourite, whilst I personally favour Stoke’s Ryan Shawcross. He seems the least likely option though, so I’m hoping for a Samba (or Turner) transfer.