Benfica Give Up Chase for German Star Amid Rumours Spurs Are Frontrunners to Capture the Defender
Tottenham Hotspur are believed to be close to signing highly-rated Hoffenheim right-back Jeremy Toljan, after Portuguese giants Benfica have reportedly given up the chase to sign the player following Spurs' progress in attempting to lure the player to London. Spurs are after a replacement for their right-back Kyle Walker, who joined Manchester City for £43m last week.
According to reports from Portuguese football site Record, Benfica have abandoned their hopes of signing the German talent after being convinced that Spurs are moving closer to signing the 22-year-old. Benfica are also in desperate need of signing a new right-back after selling their star player Nélson Semedo to Barcelona for a fee believed to be around £26m.
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Toljan impressed in his breakthrough campaign with Hoffenheim last season, making 20 Bundesliga appearances for the club. While questions could be raised as to whether Toljan is of the high calibre Spurs require from a regular starter, Toljan's flexibility means that he is able to cover in both the right and left-back positions when required.
The powerful defender has represented his country from U17 through to the Olympic team at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio - claiming a silver medal with his side. Toljan is thought to be excited by the prospect of playing under Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino, who has forged himself a reputation of being able to get the best out of promising young footballers.
Spurs have not taken to the summer transfer window with the brashness of a number of their league rivals, as the club seem to be confident in the talent's of their existing squad members.
With the youngest average squad age in the Premier League last season, Spurs are a growing force in the competition, and their fans will be expecting a serious title challenge next season.
