Tottenham considering move for La Liga defender in upcoming window | OneFootball

As the January transfer window looms, Tottenham are once again at the centre of speculation regarding potential reinforcements.

With injuries testing Ange Postecoglou’s squad depth, the club is actively exploring options to strengthen its defensive line.

While Spurs fans may hope for big-name signings, a lesser-known La Liga player has reportedly caught the club’s attention.

The North London side’s focus on shoring up their defence is hardly surprising. After a promising start to the season, recent struggles at the back have highlighted the need for more reliability in key positions.

Recent reports suggest that one defender in particular has impressed the club’s scouts, setting the stage for a potential bid once the window opens.

Rayo Vallecano v UD Las Palmas - La Liga EA Sports | Quality Sport Images/GettyImages

Tottenham target Rayo Vallecano's Andrei Ratiu

According to Mundo Deportivo (h/t Sport Witness), Tottenham are interested in signing Andrei Ratiu, a 26-year-old right-back who currently plays for Rayo Vallecano.

Ratiu has delivered solid performances in La Liga this season, catching the eye of several top clubs, including Barcelona, Atlético Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen, and AS Roma.

The Romanian international, who is a teammate of former Spurs player Radu Dragusin, reportedly has a release clause of €25 million (£20.7 million) in his contract.

This makes him an attainable target for clubs looking to strengthen their defensive options.

However, Tottenham might face stiff competition, particularly from Barcelona. The Spanish giants are said to have a strong relationship with Ratiu’s agent, which could give them an edge in negotiations.

Is Ratiu the right fit for Spurs?

While Ratiu’s talent is clear, some may question whether signing another right-back is the best use of Tottenham’s transfer budget. Ange Postecoglou already has three options for the position: Pedro Porro, Archie Gray, and Djed Spence.

Instead, the focus might be better placed on addressing gaps in other areas of the squad, such as central defence, midfield, or the forward line. Additionally, Ratiu’s release clause, while reasonable, could still divert funds away from these pressing needs.

With the transfer window just days away, it remains to be seen if Tottenham will act on their interest in Ratiu or prioritise other areas. One thing is certain: January promises to be a busy month for Spurs in the market.