Luka Vuskovic: Man United will rival Europe’s elite for Spurs defender | OneFootball

Manchester United are one of a number of top clubs interested in signing Tottenham Hotspur centre-back Luka Vuskovic, according to a new report.

The Next Big Thing

Vuskovic is considered one of the premier prospects in world football, having enjoyed a breakout campaign in the Bundesliga on a season-long loan with Hamburger SV. Already a Croatia international at just 19 years of age, the 6’4 behemoth is set to play a key role for his country at the World Cup in North America next month.

This imposing frame makes him one of the “most dominant young defenders” in Europe, with six goals to his name this year underscoring his ability to thrive in both boxes. However, he is not simply a defensive brute; he combines this physical dominance with “intelligence and composure that go beyond his age” according to one scouting report.

“He has a good passing technique and the vision to identify progressive options, often breaking lines with vertical passes that help his team advance from the back. He is comfortable initiating build-up and does not shy away from taking responsibility in possession. His decision-making in these phases is generally calm and purposeful, which adds value to his overall defensive profile.”

It is little wonder, therefore, that a host of top clubs, inside and outside of England, are keeping close tabs on the Split native, given he is set to return to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this summer.

Tottenham have endured a torrid campaign under three different managers, only confirming Premier League survival with a 1-0 win in the season finale against Everton on Sunday. It marks the second successive year they have finished seventeenth.

While the arrival of Robert De Zerbi has lifted the mood around the club, the daunting prospect of a major rebuild and no European football is creating uncertainty around the futures of their best players — including Vuskovic.

Eyed by Europe’s Elite

Sports Boom reveals Europe’s elite, including the Red Devils, are plotting raids for the Croatian starlet.

FC Barcelona are understood to be the strongest suitors as the champions of Spain look to overhaul Hansi Flick’s backline. However, Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund both want to keep Vuskovic in Germany, while Serie A winners Inter Milan are also in the hunt.

In England, United are joined by Chelsea and Liverpool in their admiration, with all three looking to take advantage of their domestic rival’s fragile state. Sports Boom describes the growing queue as a “highly contested group stage of suitors”, with a “bidding war” in the works.

Tottenham Hotspur are said to be “holding out for a transfer fee of somewhere in the region of €60/70 million” (£52-60m), with their negotiating position significantly bolstered by avoiding relegation.

Final Thoughts

Interestingly, United have also been linked with moves for the existing centre-back partnership in De Zerbi’s squad, Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero. However, the decision to extend the contract of long-term stalwart Harry Maguire has seen United’s focus shift from an established option to a younger one.

Vuskovic is the gold standard for defensive prospects in Europe, as demonstrated by half the continent’s biggest clubs jostling for position in a red-hot race to secure his signature. His size and duel-winning ability make him the ideal successor to Maguire at Old Trafford.

Whether United will be able to stump up the cash needed to win it is another matter, however, given INEOS’s intent to invest the bulk of their war chest on midfield this summer.

Featured image Leonardo Fernandez via Getty Images

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