Evan Ndicka has emerged as a transfer target for two of the Premier League’s most ambitious clubs ahead of the summer window.
Both Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United are closely monitoring the 26-year-old AS Roma defender, according to reports from Sports Boom.
The two clubs could look to make a concrete move for the Ivory Coast international in the coming weeks as they seek defensive reinforcements.
Ndicka has been a reliable and consistent performer for the Italian club since making the move to Rome, earning widespread recognition for his quality.
Jose Mourinho has previously praised the centre-back for his “great” displays, underlining the level of respect Ndicka commands among top-level managers.
The defender is considered to be at the peak of his career at 26, and a move to the Premier League could represent the next natural step in his development.
Ndicka possesses the recovery pace and physicality required to operate in a high defensive line and within a pressing system, making him attractive to multiple tactical setups.
He is also technically gifted with the ball at his feet, giving him the versatility to adapt to the Italian style of football that Roberto De Zerbi favours at Brighton.
Tottenham had a difficult campaign last season, finishing 17th in the Premier League table, and reinforcing the defensive unit must be a priority heading into next season.
With Cristian Romero linked with an exit from the club, finding a capable and experienced replacement has become an increasingly urgent task for Spurs.
Signing a defender of Ndicka’s calibre would represent a significant step in the right direction as Tottenham look to push towards the upper end of the table.
Newcastle also have pressing defensive needs, with the club requiring long-term alternatives to experienced players such as Dan Burn and Fabian Schar.
Both clubs now face the challenge of convincing Roma to part with one of their key defensive assets, which could prove a difficult negotiation.
