Tottenham eyeing experienced £9m club captain after public exit admission

Tottenham Hotspur need to add more experienced players to Thomas Frank’s squad ahead of their campaign back in the Champions League, with chairman Daniel Levy sensing a rather left-field potential bargain opportunity.

Spurs had a real issue last season in terms of squad balance when it comes to age, and their lack of sufficient depth prompted former manager Ange Postecoglou to utilise teenagers on a far more regular basis than he’d initially desired.

Youngster Archie Gray was especially thrown right in the deep end, playing at centre-half regularly in the absence of Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero before Kevin Danso joined the Lilywhites in January.

The 19-year-old did very well to cope with the unbelievable responsibility on his shoulders during that injury-ridden period for Spurs’ squad, but Frank will be keen to ensure he isn’t left as short as his predecessor in terms of proven back-ups.

Signing players with more know-how and years under their belt is seen as one of Tottenham’s priorities for the summer window, according to the BBC recently, and their qualification for the Champions League should allow them extra funds to do this.

That doesn’t necessarily mean that Levy will start splashing the cash on 30-plus-year-olds either, as you can rack up many games at the top level starting from a very young age.

“Brings some experience in, I’m not talking about age, I’m talking about players who have played at this level and can help the team, then I’ve got no doubt we can make the impact we want,” said Postecoglou, prior to his Tottenham sacking.

“Not just us but any club that gets into the Champions League, I think understands that. It’s the most elite competition in Europe and it’s a great demand.

“So I think every club that gets into the Champions League sees it as an opportunity to strengthen with experience is the right word, but players who have played at that level, who are going to be comfortable at that level, not players who are stepping up to that level. That’s the difference.”

Tottenham are targeting Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo, and the Cameroonian is a prime example of this, having amassed 136 Premier League appearances and 22 international caps at just 25.

Tottenham targeting Sporting Charleroi midfielder Adem Zorgane

According to DZ Foot, Sporting Charleroi midfielder Adem Zorgane has emerged as a target for Spurs.

The 25-year-old is described as a “complete, young, and experienced player”, and he could be available for as little as £9 million. This meagre price tag has turned heads in north London, with Tottenham taking a close look at Zorgane ahead of a potential move.

The 15-cap Algeria international was made captain of his side thanks to his consistent and reliable displays, making 41 appearances in all competitions last term as a mainstay of Rik De Mil’s starting eleven.

However, Zorgane has admitted he could move on to pastures new, which opens the door for Frank’s side to offer him an opportunity in the Premier League.

“I’ve been here for four years,” said Zorgane. “It’s difficult to stay at a club for that long when you want to go further.”

The African’s contract also expires in just two years, so Spurs would have all the power in negotiations.