Tottenham Hotspur are close to completing a deal for commanding Sevilla centre back, Federico Fazio after the 27-year-old was given permission to fly to London and discuss terms. Spurs had been nearing the transfer of another Argentine defender, Mateo Musacchio but complications over the fee and his third-party ownership scuppered the move. Mauricio Pochettino is now closing in on an £8 million deal for the 6-foot-5 defender.

Spanish newspaper, AS has reported that Tottenham have turned their attention to Fazio having given up on Masacchio and after meeting Sevilla’s release clause of £8 million, the 27-year-old has travelled to London.

With the release clause met and the player in London, the deal could be announced very soon and will be a significant move in the market for Tottenham.

Fazio has proved in La Liga that he is an excellent defender and has been linked with several top sides.

With only two appearances for Argentina, he is perhaps a little unfortunate not to have more. However, he somewhat burned his bridges with Alejandro Sabella when he publically criticized the selection policy.

However, the former Ferro defender is still highly regarded and is could well regain a place back in the Argentina squad under Tata Martino.

At £8 million Fazio represents a much cheaper option than Musacchio and still only 27 is coming into his peak. Potentially a very effective partnership with Jan Vertonghen could massively shore up Tottenham’s defence.