Kota Takai rejected three European clubs in favour of Tottenham move

Tottenham Hotspur reportedly saw off plenty of competition to strike a deal for Japanese defender Kota Takai, who is now bound for North London, with a new report shedding light on what the Lilywhites’ plans are for the 20-year-old this summer.

Kota Takai is expected to be Tottenham’s second signing of the Thomas Frank era, with the Lilywhites allegedly striking a £5m deal to sign the young centre-back from J-League side Kawasaki Frontale.

The 20-year-old is thought of very highly in his country, having already had two seasons in the J-League and having been capped four times for the Japanese national side.

The lanky centre-back is dominant in duals and has pace to burn while also being good with the ball at his feet, but he now faces a considerable step up this summer, with a huge challenge awaiting him in the Premier League.

Three other European clubs tried to beat Spurs to Takai

Japanese outlet Sponichi have now confirmed that Spurs will pay £5m for the centre-back, which is the highest ever for a player who moved overseas from the J-League.

The outlet says that Takai will sign a contract with the Lilywhites as soon as he completes his medical in Hotspur Way, with all the paperwork in place.

The outlet claims that the young defender first came to the attention of European clubs when he shone as part of Japan’s Olympic side last summer.

It is revealed that Udinese, Borussia Monchengladbach and Hoffenheim expressed their interest in Takai but the player chose Spurs as he wanted to move to the Premier League.

Tottenham’s plans for Kota Takai revealed

Sponichi claim that Tottenham Hotspur could send the Japanese defender out on loan during the upcoming season so that he can continue getting regular game time under his belt.

However, the outlet does not rule out the possibility of Takai staying at Tottenham and being part of Thomas Frank’s first-team plans.

The 20-year-old joins a host of young, up-and-coming centre-backs at Tottenham, including Luka Vuskovic and Ashley Phillips, who Frank is thought to be keen to observe closely during pre-season.

• READ MORE: Club official claims Tottenham man wants to join them but ‘no progress’ in talks

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