Jack Tucker in action for Gillingham (Getty Images)
According to Daily Mail (h/t The Pink Un), Norwich City have entered the race to sign Gillingham defender Jack Tucker, who is also being eyed by several other English clubs including Leeds United, West Ham United and Southampton.
Tucker, 20, came through the ranks of Gillingham’s youth system and was promoted to the club’s senior team back in July 2018. After finding himself on the bench until the start of this season, he has firmly established himself in the heart of Gillingham’s defence and has featured in 28 games for the League One side.
Meanwhile, Daniel Farke’s men have endured a disastrous season since their return to the top-flight and are currently placed at the bottom of the league standings. Only a handful of players have been up to the mark for the Canaries.
Finnish international Teemu Pukki and youngster Todd Cantwell have been the standout performers but the rest of the squad has not been supportive. One of the major reasons for their abysmal performances is the lack of stability in their backline.
Ben Godfrey, Christian Zimmermann, Grant Hanley and Timm Klose are the only centre-backs available at the manager’s disposal. Except for Godfrey, none of them has been a regular starter. And Swiss international Klose has never started a game in the Premier League this term.
And with Godfrey’s future at Carrow Road uncertain, Farke needs to strengthen the squad, which has conceded 50 goals so far. In that case, signing Gillingham’s Jack Tucker would be useful.
The 20-year-old is one of the best defenders in League One and has made waves throughout the season with his impressive displays. He would definitely add quality to the squad and can be seen as a replacement for Klose, who has just two years left on his contract.
The Canaries have been inconsistent in all the departments and they need to strengthen their squad for next season irrespective of their league status. And the first thing Farke needs to strengthen is the defensive unit.
Therefore, luring Tucker to Carrow Road in the summer must be the club’s priority.
