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Nuno Espirito Santo looks to have landed his first signing as Tottenham boss, with a report claiming that a deal has been agreed for Japan star Takehiro Tomiyasu.

Spurs have been tipped to land the versatile Bologna defender over the past few weeks. But The Athletic states that the two clubs are currently in the process of finalizing the terms of the deal, with Tomiyasu expected to cost around £15 million-plus add ons.

The Athletic report also claims that Manchester United were keen on signing the player as well. However, Tottenham was always Tomiyasu’s preferred destination.

The 22-year-old excelled in a Bologna side that finished a respectable 12th in Serie A last season. He made 33 appearances in all competitions, scoring twice.

With Nuno looking to bring at least two new central defenders, Tomiyasu’s versatility will be a major asset for Spurs.

The Japan international, who has won 23 caps for his country, can play as a centre-back or right-back.

He is also comfortable playing in a back three, a formation Nuno often preferred at Wolves.

The signing will also be the first for new sporting director Fabio Paratici. The Italian knows of Tomiyasu’s qualities from his time in his previous role with Juventus.

The £15m fee also appears to be somewhat of a bargain for a player who has spent two seasons in Italy’s top flight and is also a seasoned international.

Tottenham will now be hoping that Tomiyasu can quickly adapt to English football, as Paratici and Nuno set their sights on other targets.

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Kounde slaps down Tottenham move

Meanwhile, Jules Kounde has turned down an approach from Tottenham, leaving new Spurs boss Nuno Espirito Santo to look elsewhere this summer, claims a report.

The Sevilla defender, who has been linked with Manchester United, looks likely to be on the move in the next few months, but Spurs have been ruled out as a potential destination.

Tottenham were understood to have placed the France central defender pretty high up their target list. In fact Nuno is said to have made him his priority signing, but the player has turned down Spurs’ advances.

According to Marca, via Sport Witness, the player is chasing a move to a Champions League club.

The Spanish outlet report that the option of moving to Spurs “has been rejected” by the player himself.

Gianluca DiMarzio on Tuesday claimed Sevilla had agreed a deal for Kounde to join Nuno and Fabio Paratici’s Spurs revolution.

The offer was apparently €30m, plus Davinson Sanchez.

Now though the “operation is cancelled” because Kounde does not see a move to Tottenham as a step up.

With the 22-year-old currently playing in the Champions League, the move would mean “no option of sporting growth”.

READ MORE: Wolves enter picture for Tottenham target Serie A club ‘need to sell’

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