On Friday, we relayed news from Belgium that Tottenham Hotspur have contacted Royale Union Saint-Gilloise about signing Koki Machida. It was also stated the Jupiler Pro League side have put a €15m price tag on the defender.
This is backed up by L’Avenir, who provide more updates on Spurs and the Belgian club’s plan for the 26-year-old.
Tottenham are looking to strengthen their defence in the winter market and the 26-year-old is on their agenda.
Earlier this week, Union Saint-Gilloise CEO Philippe Bormans said: “Reinforcement in the winter transfer window will only be necessary if there is a departure.”
It’s claimed Tottenham’s interest in the Japan international is ‘very real’. They haven’t sent an official offer yet but have discussed with Union Saint-Gilloise that they would like to acquire the defender in January.
Union Saint-Gilloise don’t want to lose Machida in the next window. At the same time, the need to balance their finances means they cannot ‘say no to any offer’. L’Avenir add the Belgian club would be willing to let go of their star for €15m.
The ideal scenario would be to sell in January and then get him back on loan until the end of this season.
Machida had earlier stated his current employer can help him take the next step in his career. Tottenham can help him fulfil it as L’Avenir say they would ‘obviously be a great destination’.
If he were to leave, Union Saint-Gilloise would invest the funds from his sale in signing a new centre-back.
