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Fabio Paratici already working on fixing problem position at Tottenham

New sporting director Fabio Paratici has already identified the main position he must improve for whoever becomes the new manager of Tottenham.

The Italian officially took on his new role on Saturday after quitting a similar post at Juventus.  He has been tasked with appointing the club’s next manager, with former Roma boss Paulo Fonseca remaining in talks. However, signings are also a major remit of the job, and Football.London claims signing a new centre-back is high on Paratici’s agenda.

Tottenham currently have Eric Dier, Toby Alderweireld, Davinson Sanchez, Japhet Tanganga and Joe Rodon on their books. However, not one combination of those names particularly excelled in a poor season for the club.

There has even been talk that Alderweireld and former record signing Sanchez could be sold to fund a new addition.

Money is expected to be tight at Spurs this summer, although Daniel Levy admits signings will be made – for the right price.

Inter Milan star Milan Skriniar was Jose Mourinho’s top target and Paratici is sure to recommend the Slovakian. However, the 26-year is expected to cost in excess of £30million, despite Inter’s financial troubles.

Lille defender Joachim Andersen is a more affordable option. The on-loan Dane was a standout performer during Fulham’s relegation campaign, with the French side looking to cash in while they can.

One potential issue for Tottenham, if Fonseca is handed the job, was Roma’s inability to keep clean sheets last season.

While they were good to watch and played attacking football, they often struggled defensively. That is something Spurs fans will not want to hear.

Centre-back is arguably a position that needs a double fix in north London, but that will cost substantial funds.

It may well be that whoever takes over is asked to persevere with the likes of Rodon and Tanganga, alongside a more experienced option.

Rodon performed well in Wales’ opening draw with Switzerland at the Euros. Tanganga, however, is more often been used as a right-back – that is despite centre-back being his preferred position.

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Tottenham urged to sign 31-goal striker

Meanwhile, Tottenham legend Graham Roberts has urged his old club to snap up a prolific marksman who bagged 31 goals this past season.

There remains a huge question mark over Harry Kane’s future in north London, with the England skipper seemingly determined to quit the club this summer. His stance has led to talk of a move to Premier League rivals Manchester City, Chelsea and Manchester United.

For their part, Spurs are already said to have lined up potential replacements for their talisman. Moves for Danny Ings, Ollie Watkins, Marcus Thuram and Victor Osimhen have all been mooted.

But while Roberts admits he is a fan of Villa man Watkins, he believes that Brentford ace Ivan Toney could do just as good a job.

Toney netted a hugely impressive 31 goals in his first season for Thomas Frank’s side. Indeed, his glut of goals helped secure the Bees secure a Premier League spot via the play-offs.

Roberts insists that there are plenty of players in the lower divisions like the 26-year-old, who had a very short stint at Newcastle early in his career.

The former Spurs defender told Football Fancast: “There are players out there. What about Toney at Brentford?

“Watkins has done it, do you not think Toney can do it? But they don’t want to look that low, but he’s a Premier League player now.

“That’s what you’ve got to do, you’ve got to look at the lower-leagues, there are good players there.

“But the spine of your team has to be the best. So you have to pay the best and everything else falls into place.”

READ MORE: Tottenham join Liverpool in chase for €30m star who excelled under Fonseca

 

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