Tottenham plot bargain defender raid as Newcastle enquire after Crystal Palace star, Wolves reject £21m bid

Let’s hear it for the centre-backs; the unsung, towering meat mountains who stand like great hulking guardians between victory and defeat, success and failure. This summer, like so many summers before it, will be dominated by transfer speculation, and generally speaking, the stories that garner the most attention and excitement will be the ones that focus in on goalscorers and playmakers and tricky little wingers.

But that doesn’t mean that the defenders aren’t just as important. Without them, the whole operation crumbles like a castle built on sand. Or a chocolate teapot... built on sand. And so, in that spirit, let’s dedicate today’s Premier League transfer rumours to a fistful of whispers about some very, very in demand custodians.

Spurs plot Adarabioyo

Tottenham Hotspur are understood to be interested in signing Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo, according to a report from Evening Standard. Contract talks between the the 25-year-old and the Cottagers are said to have broken down last week, and with just one year left on his current deal, there are suggestions that he could be available for a knockdown price this summer.

Rumours that the Spurs club shop have already ordered a new shipment of shirt printing vowels in preparation for his arrival remain unfounded at this stage.

The 3AM Verdict: This could prove to be a smart move from Tottenham, if it comes to fruition. Spurs have been linked with Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi in the recent past, but with the cost of that prospective deal threatening to spiral, a cheaper swoop for Adarabioyo - who has shown himself to be a very astute Premier League defender in his own right - could be a good alternative.

Toon eye Andersen

Given that Newcastle United can sign pretty much anybody they want to these days, and given the general air of optimism on Tyneside right now, a link with the Magpies must feel like a golden ticket to Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory for their reported transfer targets - albeit with less confectionary, more oil, and some seriously questionable workers’ rights for the Oompa Loompas.

Crystal Palace’s Joachim Andersen is the latest in a long, long line of players to be mentioned in relation to St. James’ Park, with the Daily Mail claiming that Newcastle have made an enquiry about his availability this summer. Despite their vast, vast richers, however, cost could be an issue for the Magpies, with Palace set to demand a top, top fee for one of their most prized assets.

The 3AM Verdict: If - and it’s a big if - Newcastle can pull this one off, it would be a brilliant bit of business. Andersen has consistently been of the best centre-backs in the Premier League in recent times, and it feels like a matter of time before he is poached by a Champions League club. The Magpies won’t be held to ransom, but if they can negotiate a fair price, this could be a clever swoop.

Brentford in for Collins

And finally, Nathan Collins, like a clump of fragrant lavender on a summer’s day, is attracting interest from the Bees. According to the Mail, Brentford have already had a bid of £21 million rejected by Wolves, but Thomas Frank is quietly confident that his side will be able to break Wanderers’ resolve with an improved offer of around £25 million. Time, as they say, will tell...

The 3AM Verdict: Collins continues to go from strength to strength, and would make a fine addition for a club of Brentford’s current standing. Perhaps the most interesting thing here, however, is that the Bees have rarely looked to spend this kind of money in the past, and a signing of this ilk could mark an exciting new chapter for the club’s recruitment policy.