While Tottenham aren’t exactly in need of a new centre-back, that doesn’t mean they aren’t aware there will come a time when players like Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld will need to be replaced.
The arrivals of Juan Foyth and Davinson Sanchez have certainly added some strength in depth in the position for years to come, but Spurs are still looking around for talent capable of helping them down the line.
That’s where Valencienne’s Sikou Niakaté seems to come in, with Foot Mercato in France claiming Spurs scouted the 18-year-old at the weekend while he was playing for the Ligue 2 side’s reserves.
However, it’s worth pointing out that, despite representing the team’s second-team recently, the young centre-back already has 12 starts this season for the first-team, missing just five games all year.
Alongside Tottenham, clubs like Zulte Waregem and Basel are said to be interested in Niakaté, and would be in a better position to offer him regular time on the pitch than Mauricio Pochettino.
Having just signed his first professional contract with Valenciennes back towards the end of November, it would probably make sense for him to stay there a bit longer and get some experience under his belt.
Then again, the appeal of moving to a club like Tottenham isn’t to be discarded just yet.
