Tottenham’s chase for Germany international
10th August 2014 - Pre-Season Football - Liverpool v Borussia Dortmund - Raheem Sterling of Liverpool battles with Sven Bender of Dortmund - Photo: Simon Stacpoole / Offside.
Tottenham have reportedly stepped up their interest in Borussia Dortmund midfielder Sven Bender.
Following Spurs’ 1-0 defeat at Manchester United on the opening day of the season, boss Mauricio Pochettino is keen to bolster his midfield ranks and has identified the Germany international as his top target.
The 26-year-old, who is the twin brother of Bayer Leverkusen’s Lars Bender, failed to score in 32 appearances in all competitions for the Bundesliga outfit last season.
However Bender, who has seven international caps, would add some much needed steel to Tottenham’s squad, a sense of solidarity and resilience that was evidently missing in Saturday’s defeat at Old Trafford.
It is also thought that the Premier League club have identified Cologne’s Kevin Vogt as an alternative target.