The backline is a position that Tottenham Hotspur wants to strengthen this summer, and there are countless central defenders linked to the north London club. The latest name to surface is Dynamo Kyiv’s Ilya Zabarnyi. 

According to Football.London, Spurs have been closely watching the highly-rated Ukraninan defender and are mulling up a summer move for the 19-year-old. 

However, a transfer won’t come cheap, considering Zabarnyi is under contract until 2026. Furthermore, with the Russian invasion of Ukraine, it remains unclear what will come of Ukrainian clubs next season and whether they will be a league to play.

As a result, perhaps a deal could be had for the teenager. When it comes to a possible fee, Transfermarkt puts Zabarnyi’s value at £14-million. Before the season was terminated, the defender made 23 appearances netting one assist. 

It will be interesting to see if Spurs go with a player with high upside to fill the void or pay more for a more proven player. 

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