Tottenham Transfers: 4 Centre-Backs to Replace Ledley King If He Retires

Ledley King isn't going gently into that good night.

According to ESPN, the former England international is scheduled for another knee surgery and will sit down with the club shortly after to discuss his future. 

The 31-year-old made a handful of appearances this year, and for the most part he played well when he got on the pitch. But Tottenham needs a partner for Younes Kaboul that will give them more than 21 league appearances.

If Spurs end up in the Champions League next year, it will be because of King and his early-season heroics. But for the lads of White Hart Lane to make a serious climb to the Premier League summit, they'll need a new centre-back to put in King's place. Where better to find him than this summer's transfer window?

That said, I give you the best possible replacements at centre-back for the seemingly irreplaceable Ledley King.

Steven Caulker (Swansea City)

The first one's easy because he's Tottenham's to lose. On loan for his entire career from Spurs, Steven Caulker took his last few teenage years and played his way up the English football ladder.

He started at League One side Yeovil Town and then graduated to Championship side Bristol City before settling into a regular starting role with top-flight Swansea City.

Despite a knee injury this past season, Caulker made a remarkable 26 starts at centre-back for Swans, helping the newly promoted side earn 11th in the league table.

He's now on his way back to White Hart Lane and I suspect Harry will keep the 20-year-old. Caulker's fast and boasts a hulking 6'3" frame—two things that are invaluable as Tottenham goes forward with trying to win the Premier League despite replacing one of the best defenders of the past 10 years. 

Phil Jagielka (Everton)

You know who gets absolutely no credit and is about as solid a club as there can be in the Premier League?

Everton.

The Toffees made it to the semifinals of the FA Cup and ended their 2011-12 season on a remarkable nine-game unbeaten streak that included a draw against Manchester United and wins over Newcastle United, Sunderland and Fulham.

How'd they do it? The second-best goals against average in the league.

Seriously. Everton averaged 1.05 goals conceded per match last year, third only to Manchester City's 0.76 and Manchester United's 0.87. Goalkeeper Tim Howard was a big reason that happened, but so were Everton's pair of centre-backs in Phil Jagielka and John Heitinga.

The reason I say Tottenham should go after Jagielka is because he'll have less international duty to balance with the league calendar, since he doesn't get as much playing time with England as Heitinga does with The Netherlands. Plus, he'll be a bit cheaper.

Jagielka's also a little more fearless in the air and willing to get himself hurt if it means getting the ball out of danger.

Ömer Toprak (Bayer Leverkusen)

Tottenham might have to look outside of England for King's replacement, and the Bundesliga would be my first visit.

Bayer Leverkusen had a solid campaign this past year, and their earning a second consecutive European cup spot is largely due to a defensive back line that includes tenacious centre-back Ömer Toprak.

You may not know it, but Leverkusen conceded only 44 goals through 34 matches—fourth in the league.

Dante is a durable player who made 27 of 34 possible league appearances and also gained some Champions League experience, playing in six of the club's European matches this season. He's physical, he supports the attack well and at 20 years old, he still has a lot of miles left on his legs.

Jan Vertonghen (Ajax)

If Tottenham can get Ajax's best player in Jan Vertonghen, they'll do it and not think twice about it.

There are several media reports claiming Vertonghen wants out of Ajax and into England's Premier League. The Sun reported that the centre-back is looking at Tottenham as a favorite for his long-awaited move.

Nab him, Harry, and do it now.