Tottenham Transfer News: Latest Oliver Burke and Niklas Sule Rumours

Tottenham Hotspur reportedly had the chance to sign Scottish midfield maestro Oliver Burke this summer before the 19-year-old joined Bundesliga club RB Leipzig. 

Burke described how he turned down interest from the Premier League during an interview with Nick Ames of the Guardian.

Ames detailed how Spurs came the closest out of those from England's top flight interested in the player who eventually moved to Germany from Nottingham Forest for £13 million: "Leipzig had met the asking price but Tottenham also had permission to speak with Burke, and Manchester United were among others paying close attention."

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Burke has since made a positive start to life at his new club, as Ames recounted:

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Twenty minutes after making his debut from the bench against Borussia Dortmund, Burke set up Naby Keita for the club’s first Bundesliga victory. Two weeks later he scored in a draw with Cologne and settling in has been swift for a player who, the day before completing his transfer, was beating two players to score against Leeds United with his last contribution for Forest.

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It's little wonder Tottenham showed such concrete interest in the young Scot. Back at the end of August, German publication Bild (h/t James Cambridge of the Daily Express) revealed how Spurs and north London rivals Arsenal had attempted to scupper Leipzig's deal for the attacking midfielder at the 11th hour.

It makes sense that Spurs were keen on another young and gifted midfield talent. The last time they took a chance on such a prospect, they were rewarded with Dele Alli, perhaps the most skilled advanced English maestro in the country.

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Alli eventually broke through to the first-team ranks, but Burke apparently didn't want to wait. He revealed to Ames how the possibility of being loaned out cooled him on the idea of moving to the Premier League, citing Chelsea's penchant for keeping gifted youngsters on the back burner.

Competition Building for Spurs' Defensive Target

Tottenham reportedly face competition from Premier League rivals for German centre-back Niklas Sule. Spurs have been joined by Everton and local rivals Arsenal in keeping tabs on the accomplished, 21-year-old defender, according to German publication Bild (h/t Goal).

The report also stated how young Hoffenheim star Sule is contracted with the Bundesliga club until 2019, so it would probably take a hefty transfer fee to bring Sule to England's top flight.

However, coughing up the cash would make sense since Sule is rapidly developing into one of the most precocious defenders in Europe.

Despite what his massive frame might suggest, appearances are deceptive with Sule. The beefy silver-medal winner with Germany at the 2016 Rio Olympics is no throwback, hoof-and-head central defender.

Instead, he's highly composed and capable on the ball, showing the intelligence and vision to start moves from the back. Sule is also perceptive enough to read the game well and rely on anticipation, rather than brawn, to win the ball and thwart attacks.

Tom Robinson of Sky Sports described a defender whose game is all about precision rather than aggression:

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His impressive reading of the game, combined with his stature, means he is able to utilise his long limbs to make interceptions - another hallmark of his game - and his tackling is well-timed and solid, as shown by the relatively few fouls he gives away. Last season he picked up just four yellow cards which is a further indicator of his clean tackling ability and defensive intelligence.

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The qualities Robinson detailed would be welcome at the heart of any back four, but it's one area where Spurs are already amply stocked, thanks to Belgium internationals Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen.

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Their complementary partnership, along with the protection offered by rugged midfield men Victor Wanyama and Eric Dier, has given Tottenham the meanest defence in the Premier League, per the division's official website.

It's a distinction Spurs also shared with Manchester United last season. Alderweireld and Vertonghen are showing no signs of slowing, and both are young enough to continue thriving for some time to come, with the former 27 and the latter 29.

Alderweireld is even in line for a new contract, according to Steve Stammers and Tom Hopkinson of the Sunday Mirror. Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino can also turn to 23-year-old Austria international Kevin Wimmer.

Sule is worth beating the competition to sign but not if it means breaking the bank. Spurs' defensive ranks are already well-enough stocked to avoid crazy spending.

It's better if the club continue to scour the market for the next Alli-like bargain, especially after missing out on Burke.