Davinson Sanchez to Tottenham: What we know so far

Tottenham are finally set to land their first signing of the summer as the Premier League title hopefuls close in on Ajax defender Davinson Sanchez.

The 21-year-old centre-back has become a top target for Mauricio Pochettino as he seeks to strengthen Spurs for the 2017-18 season.

Spurs are yet to spend a penny while their title rivals are busy bolstering their squads with big-money buys, but that looks set to change in the coming days.

Here's what we know so far courtesy of Tom Collomosse...

Is the deal close?

In a word, yes. Sanchez is closing in on a move to Spurs after the club agreed a deal in principle with Ajax.

Tottenham reportedly held preliminary talks with Ajax last weekend, but stepped up their bid as a party of club representatives travelled to the Dutch capital on Monday. The deal is thought to have been delayed by debate over the exact structure of the payments but these are now said to have been resolved.

It is understood that Sanchez has expressed a expressed a wish to join Tottenham, and he is poised to become the club's first signing of the summer.

How much will he cost?

Ajax hope they will collect an eventual fee of close to £40million.

The Dutch club anticipate an initial payment of about £27m for the centre-back, but would hope that fee would rise depending on his appearances and achievements.

That first payment would put Sanchez high on the list of Tottenham’s record signings - Erik Lamela cost £30m from Roma in 2013, while Moussa Sissoko’s transfer from Newcastle last summer was agreed with a similar fee in mind.

What is Tottenham’s budget?

Spurs have already sold Kyle Walker to Manchester City this summer for a fee in the region of £50m and are keen to reinforce.

However, chairman Daniel Levy says they will not join what he describes as an "unsustainable" arms race between the Premier League's elite - especially with an impending move to their new stadium on the grounds of their former White Hart Lane home.

What about a work permit?

At this stage, Spurs do not envisage any problems with securing a work permit for the 21‑year-old, who has played twice for Colombia.

So... is he good enough?

Sanchez joined Ajax from Colombian club Atletico Nacional last summer and was named the club's Player of the Year last season.

Sanchez was a key player for Ajax last term, scoring six Eredivisie goals in 32 starts and started the Europa League final defeat to Manchester United.

He could become the third ex-Ajax centre-back in Tottenham’s rearguard, following Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld.

Pochettino has been keen to bring in a new centre-back after enjoying success with a 3-4-2-1 system last season.

The Spurs manager seemed to lose faith in Kevin Wimmer last term - the Austria international’s last competitive outing was in February - while 19-year-old Cameron Carter-Vickers remains one for the future.

Spurs were interested in 19-year-old Argentine Juan Foyth earlier in the summer but it was felt he was being overpriced by his club, Estudiantes.