Tottenham Hotspur have been linked with a possible move for Sheffield United defender Jack O’Connell, per The Daily Star.

On the chalkboard

The Blades have been something of a surprise package in the Premier League this season and sit comfortably in the top half of the table. Prior to the midweek fixtures, they sat 11 points clear of the relegation zone.

O’Connell has played in every league game thus far this season, with Chris Wilder’s men suffering defeat just six times this term.

Spurs are said to see the 25-year-old as a potential long-term replacement for Jan Vertonghen but what exactly would he bring to life in north London?

Per WhoScored, he averages 0.8 tackles per game, 1.4 interceptions, 0.6 fouls, 4.7 clearances and is dribbled past just 0.4 times. The Blades defender also has one assist to his name and averages 0.5 key passes per outing, along with 0.5 shots. He also has an average passing accuracy of 75.1%.

Vertonghen, by comparison, averages 2.3 tackles, 1.7 interceptions, 0.3 fouls, 3.3 clearances and is dribbled on 0.7 occasions. He averages 0.2 key passes and 0.2 shots, along with a passing accuracy of 83.7%.

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A shrewd signing

O’Connell could be a clever signing for Spurs.

As his statistics show, he is not a front-foot defender, preferring to sit back and wait for an opportunity to involve himself, both in terms of clearances and tackles.

Vertonghen’s numbers are similar overall and O’Connell actually has more of an impact in the final third, laying on a key pass in every other game.

This is a player who will slot right into Jose Mourinho’s backline, whether he wants to play out from the back or not. O'Connell may make fewer tackles per game but his no-nonsense nature would be of definite benefit.

Per Transfermarkt, he is valued at just £9m; this would be a shrewd piece of business.

Meanwhile, Spurs fans have debated signing a megastar!