Spurs close in on first summer signing – Davinson Sanchez

The new season is underway and Spurs are finally set to make their first signing of the transfer window after agreeing a deal for Ajax defender Davinson Sanchez.

Proof that a deal was in the pipeline came on Thursday when the Colombian was withdrawn from the Ajax squad for their Europa League qualifier against Rosenborg, a game the Dutch side lost 1-0.

"Spurs finally made a breakthrough on Thursday afternoon for a deal for the Colombian centre-back," says The Independent.

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"They will pay £28m for Sanchez as well as a potential extra £14m in add-ons. The only disagreement between Tottenham and Ajax remains the timing of the payments, with Ajax trying on Thursday to speed up the process faster than was initially planned."

That hurdle has now been overcome says the Daily Telegraph, which expects Sanchez to be unveiled soon.

The 21-year-old will "complete a back three of former Ajax defenders at Spurs with Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld", says the Telegraph.

"Pochettino has been personally pushing for the signature of Sanchez, having become convinced he is the perfect man to strengthen his back line."

As well as operating in the centre of defence, he can play at right back which may mean Spurs no longer need to sign a replacement for Kyle Walker, who joined Manchester City earlier in the season.

"Sanchez's expected arrival will allow Tottenham to offload Kevin Wimmer to West Bromwich Albion and will give Pochettino a big boost," says the Telegraph.

Fears have been growing about Spurs's lack of transfer activity this summer, as well as their chances of holding onto their current squad. The arrival of Sanchez could prompt a last-ditch spending spree, with Pochettino also in the market for a midfielder – possibly Everton's Ross Barkley – and a striker.