According to reports, Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly weighing up a move for Japan right back Hiroki Sakai. The 29-year-old has been identified as a potential replacement should Kieran Trippier leave north London this summer.
Trippier has been linked with a move to Italy, with Napoli frontrunners, although Juve and Atletico are also said to be keeping tabs on him. Spurs, who lost in the final of the Champions League to Liverpool earlier this month, could also end up losing Danny Rose and Christian Eriksen this summer.
Age is not on Sakai’s side, but the right back could open the Japanese market up to the Lilywhites, just as Shinji Kagawa did when he joined United from Dortmund. Spurs originally wanted Aaron-Wan Bissaka, but Palace’s asking price has reportedly put them off, and Sakai appears to be more of a value for money proposition.
Sakai started his career with Kashiwa Reysol in his native Japan and had a short loan stint with Brazilian outfit Mogi Mirim before moving to Europe. He played four seasons at German outfit Hannover before moving to Marseille in 2016. He made 32 appearances across all competitions for OM last season, and had five assists to his name.
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