Tottenham Transfer News: Latest Rumours on Niklas Sule and Ante Coric

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly sent scouts to keep tabs on Hoffenheim’s young centre-back Niklas Sule.

That’s according to Bild (h/t Sport Witness), who suggested that as well as Spurs, Arsenal also have a close eye on the 21-year-old, with both teams sending representatives to watch the defender during his team's tussle with Schalke 04 on Sunday.

In the piece, it’s noted that Chelsea had a €30 million (£25.8 million) bid rejected for Sule in the summer; Bundesliga clubs Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen are also reported to be interested in landing the centre-back.

Sule has shone for Hoffenheim despite his tender years in arguably the most unforgiving position on the field. Here’s a look at why so many clubs are said to be taking a good look at him:

The German relishes his defensive duties. Physically, he’s able to cope with the threat posed by the majority of centre-forwards, while his willingness to get blocks in and commit to tackles means Sule rarely gets beaten in one-on-one duels.

Even at 21, he’s a first-team regular for Hoffenheim. Statistically, he’s posted some very impressive numbers too, per WhoScored.com:

For Mauricio Pochettino’s team, Sule would potentially be a fine acquisition. He may not be at a level where he’s ready to challenge Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld for a starting spot quite yet, but he’d provide great depth to the centre-back position along with Kevin Wimmer.

Pochettino has helped develop the games of all of the aforementioned Spurs stars, with the White Hart Lane outfit one of the most functional defensive setups in English football.

While Arsenal and Chelsea may carry more gravitas, for Sule, joining a developing young squad like Tottenham’s may potentially be a wise move to make in his career.

Ante Coric Dropped by Dinamo Zagreb

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Reported Tottenham Hotspur target Ante Coric faces an uncertain future with Dinamo Zagreb after being left out of their UEFA Champions League clash with Juventus.

Speaking with Goal (h/t Sport Witness), manager Zeljko Sopic stated the reason the talented teenager was dropped was due to poor application in training and that he’d need to improve if he was to feature in big games to come. Coric had his say on Instagram (h/t Football Italia).

“My life, my dream is football—I devote every part of my life to it! I am well aware that professionalism, training and hard work are part of it and that makes me happy,” he posted. “I know that I’m a public figure and a professional, perhaps a model for many boys who also dream of one day becoming footballers, but I must admit that dreaming right now is difficult for me.”

BULENT KILIC/Getty Images

Coric is rated as one of the most exciting prospects in European football, and according to Jutarnji (h/t Sport Witness), Spurs made a €15 million (£13 million) offer for the midfielder during the summer.

While his mindset has been questioned, the natural ability the Croatia international possesses is beyond doubt.

Here’s what he is capable of:

Coric is a very gifted attacking midfielder, able to operate on either flank and through the middle. Despite his age, his appreciation of the game is refined, and as such, he can find space with ease. Factor in the fearlessness of youth and subsequent willingness to run at defenders and Coric is a real handful.

Of course, there are rough edges to smooth down in his game, and Sopic’s decision to drop him for the Juventus game will raise concerns. Nevertheless, if Spurs were to land him and harness his flair in the correct way, Pochettino would have an exceptional player at his disposal.