Spurs agree fee for capture of Cologne centre back Kevin Wimmer?

Tottenham, 11/2 with Coral for a Premier League top four finish, have reportedly agreed to fork out a fee of around £4.3m for Cologne centre half star Kevin Wimmer, with a view to a summer swoop.

Spurs have conceded 39 league goals this campaign, more than any other side in the top 10, so must shore up their rearguard if they are to mount a realistic challenge for trophies next term.

As Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino prepares to overhaul his defence, captain Younes Kaboul and Bacau-born centre back Vlad Chiriches are expected to be the main casualties.

That would leave the London club with Jan Vertonghen and unconvincing Federico Fazio as their only recognised senior centre halves, as inexperienced Eric Dier continues to adapt.

Building for the future with Dier and potentially Wimmer in the ranks is an enticing prospect that would allow Tottenham to progress with a solid base, while competing in the interim.

Pochettino has been linked with moves for a number of apparent targets, but it is thought he will now try to poach the Billy Goats’ backline marshal.

Wily Wimmer, lauded for his excellent anticipation and tenacious tackles, is still just 22 but already a regular for the Bundesliga relegation battlers, for whom he has made 26 outings this season.

Austria defender Wimmer is in good international company and represents a talented generation of defensive talents for the Alpine nation.

Among his compatriots are Bayern Munich utility man David Alaba, Schalke star and Austria captain Christian Fuchs, plus rumoured Manchester United target Alexsandar Dragovic.

Commanding presence Wimmer is also among esteemed company at Cologne, as Spurs are also said to be keen to snap up highly-rated custodian Timo Werner, should France stopper Hugo Lloris move on.