Tottenham agree shock £5m deal to sign Japanese centre-back Kota Takai from Kawasaki Frontale with star set to move for J-League record fee

Per Alasdair Gold of Football.London, Spurs have agreed a £5m deal to sign Takei from Kawasaki, with the defender set to play in Thomas Frank's first-team next season. The 20-year-old was identified by technical director Johan Lange, and is seen as having the potential to grow in the first-team like Lucas Bergvall, Pape Matar Sarr, and Destiny Udogie.

Takai is already a full Japan international with four caps, and has played in every J1-League game thus far this season, scoring twice. He has also played nine times in the AFC Champions League this term, and is seen as being experienced enough to slot straight into Thomas Frank's squad.

Spurs have done two deals thus far this summer, buying Kevin Danso permanently after his loan arrival in January as a result of the obligation in that agreement, and have also secured Mathys Tel for £30m ($40.5m).

Spurs will hope to complete a deal to sign Takai swiftly. They face Luton Town in a friendly on July 26.