Tottenham Hotspur report: 'The next Declan Rice' linked with Spurs in game-changing move for Ange Postecoglou

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Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou could take his team to the next level with a new midfield signing compared to Declan Rice

Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Tottenham Hotspur at Selhurst Park on October 27, 2023 in London, England.
(Image credit: Charlotte Wilson/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)

Tottenham Hotspur are looking to bring in another defensive-minded midfielder in a move that could completely elevate Ange Postecoglou's squad.

The club somewhat unexpectedly sit top of the Premier League, with the incoming Australian proving to be a breath of fresh air in north London. Postecoglou's men are so far unbeaten and have a settled lineup and style of play that is reaping rewards.

But though Yves Bissouma is being used as the primary defensive midfielder in a No.6 position, Tottenham would reportedly like to add depth to this area and are chasing another signing there. 

Yves Bissouma of Tottenham Hotspur during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool FC at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on September 30, 2023 in London, England.

Yves Bissouma has been crucial to Tottenham Hotspur this season (Image credit: Visionhaus/Getty Images)

Turkish outlet A Spor have reported that the Lilywhites are chasing Ismael Yuksek, having sent scouts to the Super Lig to watch the 24-year-old.

A defensive-minded midfielder for Fenerbahce, Yuksek has a similar style of play to Arsenal star Declan Rice, using his power, physicality and engine to win the ball in the centre of the park and drive forward. 

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The transfer could be a big one for Spurs for a couple of reasons. With Bissouma recently suspended, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg was used in his absence – and though Hojbjerg is more than serviceable as a No.6, he isn't thought to fit with Postecoglou's preferred style in terms of physicality.

Not only would Yuksek fit the bill a little closer, signing him for what could be a bargain from the Turkish league might enable Tottenham to sell Hojbjerg for a big fee – giving them more money to spend in other areas of the side.

Ismail Yuksek of Fenerbahce SK during the Turkish Super Lig match between Fenerbahce AS and Hatayspor at Ulker Stadium on October 22, 2023 in Istanbul, Turkey.

Ismail Yuksek is on Tottenham's radar (Image credit: ANP via Getty Images)

Postecoglou may opt to use Yuksek in a No.8 position, too, to shore up his midfield against transitions with more power, giving him the additional depth he needs to fully tweak his system. 

The Turkish international is valued at €5 million by Transfermarkt. 

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Mark White
Mark White
Content Editor

Mark White is the Digital Content Editor at FourFourTwo. During his time on the brand, Mark has written three cover features on Mikel Arteta, Martin Odegaard and the Invincibles, and has written pieces on subjects ranging from Sir Bobby Robson’s time at Barcelona to the career of Robinho. An encyclopedia of football trivia and collector of shirts, he first joined the team back in 2020 as a staff writer.