In a dramatic twist to the summer transfer window, Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly carried out a transfer hijack to beat Liverpool to the signature of a top young Japanese defender. The shock development has left Anfield officials stunned, with Spurs now poised to seal the deal ahead of their Premier League rivals.
Kota Takai made his debut for Japan last year and has quickly emerged as the best young defender in Asian football over the last season with his performances for Kawasaki Frontale.
The 20-year-old centre-back is seen as the best defensive talent to emerge from Japan since Bayern Munich defender Min-jae Kim, and has been touted to move to Europe this summer.
Liverpool are among the several Premier League clubs who are interested in the defender, but Tottenham are set to hijack the transfer move and take him to north London.
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Tottenham hijack a Liverpool move for Kota Takai
Liverpool have been monitoring the young centre-back for months, and he has also emerged on the radar of Newcastle United, Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Bayern Munich.
However, according to TBR Football, Tottenham have stolen a march on everyone and are set to secure a deal to take Takai to north London this summer.
Spurs now believe they are close to finalising an agreement with Kawasaki Frontale to sign the 20-year-old centre-back in the ongoing transfer window.
The defender is keen on the move and is now expected to complete a move to Tottenham, who have appointed Thomas Frank as their new manager.
Frank’s previous work with developing young players in the Premier League has played a key role in convincing Takai to choose Tottenham.
Liverpool are set to miss out on signing a top young defender who could have replaced Jarell Quansah in their squad.
