Tottenham Hotspur are considering making a summer move to sign Leeds United star Pascal Struijk, according to TEAMtalk.
Tottenham will already be looking at making wholesale changes to their squad this summer under the leadership of new manager Roberto De Zerbi.
Spurs have now had two successive seasons at the wrong end of the Premier League table, although this term has been the worst as they are in genuine danger of suffering an unthinkable relegation to the Championship.
De Zerbi has seven matches to ensure that the north Londoners finish ahead of at least one of Leeds, Nottingham Forest or West Ham United, to avoid dropping into England's second tier.
The Italian took his first training session on Friday and he has a week to prepare his players for his debut match in charge against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light next Sunday.
Tottenham could actually be in the bottom three by the time they kick off on Wearside, with 18th-placed West Ham United playing 48 hours earlier.
Tottenham Are Long-Term Admirers of Struijk
According to TEAMtalk, Leeds United centre-back Struijk is in demand from a number of Premier League clubs ahead of the summer transfer window.
The Yorkshire outfit are determined to keep hold of the 26-year-old defender at the end of the season, although their stance will be challenged by their top-flight rivals.
Tottenham have a long-term interest in signing the Belgian-born star, whose contract at Elland Road expires in the summer of 2027.
Spurs will face competition for his signature should they step up their interest however, with Aston Villa said to be ready to launch a £25m offer for a player Leeds value at between £35-40m.
Newcastle are also keen on Struijk with their transfer strategy often prioritising players who are established in the Premier League, although they may be unable to make a move until later in the summer, given they need to sell to buy.
Why do Tottenham Want Struijk?
Rumours have suggested that there are big doubts over the futures of Micky van de Ven and captain Cristian Romero this summer, with both players keen to be playing Champions League football at this stage of their careers.
While it remains to be seen whether Tottenham would be willing to lose both in one summer, it is believed that the north Londoners see Struijk as a 'ready-made' addition to their defence should they need to strengthen.
Spurs are said to believe that the 26-year-old would be capable of immediately fitting in under De Zerbi, by offering defensive solidity and progressive passing out from the backline.
As with many of their targets, Tottenham's ability to make a move for Struijk is likely to depend on their Premier League status, and potentially Leeds' as well, with Daniel Farke's men still in danger of going down themselves with seven games to go.
His valuation could also be key, with a fee of £25-30m more attractive than the £40m that Leeds would ideally want for him, especially given he only has just over 12 months left on his deal.