Juventus join race for Tottenham target Thomas Kristensen – as Italian giants hold talks over a move for Danish defender

Juventus have held discussions over a move for Tottenham and Leicester target Thomas Kristensen.

Kristensen, 23, plies his trade for Serie A outfit Udinese and has gained rave reviews for his performances in Italy since joining the club in 2023.

The Danish defender has been linked with a transfer this month and Mail Sport understands that Juventus sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli has been in talks in with Kristensen’s camp over recent days.

Juventus remain in the hunt for a centre back to replace the injured Gleison Bremer and have been touted with an interest in the likes of Fikayo Tomori, Renato Veiga and Lloyd Kelly alongside Kristensen, with the Italian giants wanting to sign two centre backs this month.

Kristensen also has Premier League admirers however, with both Tottenham and Leicester keen on him.

Spurs are looking for defensive reinforcements amid their dreadful run of form, which has been heightened by troubles at the back – and Mail Sport understands that Kristensen is on their shortlist.

Danish centre back Kristensen, 23, has gained rave reviews for his performances for Udinese

Tottenham are desperate for defensive additions and Kristensen is on their shortlist of targets

Ange Postecoglou’s side now face a battle with Juventus to bring in the Dane in the final two weeks of the window.

Spurs had been offered PSG defender Milan Skriniar, who is out of favour in the French capital, but his high wages proved to be a stumbling block.

Meanwhile, the Foxes are said to be big admirers of Kristensen and held discussions last month over a potential move.

That came following an impressive start to life under Ruud van Nistelrooy, but the Foxes have since lost their last seven Premier League games and languish in 19th place, two points adrift of safety.

Speaking after the weekend’s 2-0 defeat by Fulham, Van Nistelrooy had said: ‘It’s a good start,’ when questioned on the addition of defender Woyo Coulibaly from Parma, hinting the Dutchman is desperate for further additions.

In fact, Mail Sport understands that Leicester want around five players this month.

This is particularly pertinent at the back where the Foxes have conceded 48 goals from just 23 games, while Conor Coady, Jannik Vestergaard, Wout Faes and summer signing Caleb Okoli have all struggled for form. 

Kristensen made his professional breakthrough with Danish side AGF, the club where Jack Wilshere ended his career, before earning his move to Udinese in 2023.

The centre back has been a regular feature in Denmark’s youth teams, racking up 11 caps for their Under 21 side – and is under contract in Italy until the summer of 2028.