Relegated Premier League side Cardiff City are set to suffer another blow as Tottenham Hotspur are targeting their defensive duo, Goalkeeper David Marshall and Defender Steven Caulker.
Cardiff City couldn't cope up with the demands of Premier League after gaining promotion last summer. Welsh club put in some spirited performances in their maiden campaign and Defender Steven Caulker and Goalkeeper David Marshall was at the heart of it. Arguably they were the best performers for the Bluebirds in their Premier League campaign.
Center Back Steven Caulker is the only Cardiff player who earned a start in all their Premier League matches. Tottenham Hotspur academy graduate was looking for regular playing time when he opted to move to the Premier League newcomers. He was targeting a place in Roy Hodgson's England squad for this summer's FIFA World Cup and has an outside chance of making the trip. He hasn't done any harms to his burgeoning reputation as one of the best young center backs as he put in spirited performances week in and out.
Cardiff City's Steven Caulker has excelled in a weak defence by making crucial interceptions, tackles and clearances. The tall defender was a threat in the opposition penalty box and has scored Five goals in Premier League this season(Cariff City's top scorer scored only Seven). His pace and ability to carry the ball from defence has been seen as ideal for Tottenham Hotspur who are in a defensive dilemma at the moment.
Spurs skipper Michael Dawson lacks pace and it is often exploited by oppositions attackers. Injury prone defender Younes Kaboul's contract runs out this summer, and the North London club is in dilemma due to his error prone displays. Jan Vertonghen has looked disinterested following the sacking of Andre Villas Boas while Vlad Chiriches is slowly adapting to the demands of Premier League. With the current defensive crisis, Tottenham will be eager to bring back their academy graduate to plug the holes in its defence.
Tottenham Hotspur are also in the look out for Goal keepers this summer as Brad Friedel is heading to take up a coaching role and Ai??Brazilian Huerolho Gomes is all set to depart on a free in search of regular playing time. This leaves Hugo Lloris as the only senior goal keeper in the squad and his outstanding performances has brought the attention of ultra rich clubs including French side PSG.
Spurs are in dire need of goalkeeping additions and Steven Caulker's Cardiff City team mate David Marshall is seen as an ideal capture to strengthen its defence. David Marshall had made more saves than any other keeper in Premier League and will be available for aroundAi??A?6million this summer following his sides relegation.
Tottenham badly need defensive reinforcements to increase the competition for places and will be looking forward to the Cardiff City duo to plug the holes next season. Steven Caulker has a release clause in his contract, and he will be hoping to reunite with his former team mates while David Marshall has proved that he deserves another shot in the Premier League. Can Spurs clinch the deal before a bidding war opens up for Cardiff City's jewels?