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Tottenham are closely monitoring Bournemouth defender Nathan Ake and his home-grown status is a driving force behind the club's interest, according to Sky Sports.

What's the word?

Major changes are on the cards at Tottenham as Mauricio Pochettino's side battle for another top-four finish and are eagerly anticipating a move to their new stadium, though they may face financial restrictions once a switch is complete.

Pochettino did not sign a single player during the summer but is set to change his stance in January as he plots a defensive shake-up amidst the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Toby Alderweireld's future and Bournemouth's Nathan Ake is a prime target.

According to Sky Sports, one major driving force behind Spurs' interest is the fact the Netherlands international has a home-grown status in the Premier League after coming through the ranks at Chelsea and this will help Pochettino adhere to squad regulations.

Spurs' squad issues

Tottenham only named a 24-man squad for the Premier League this season due to the fact they did not have eight home-grown players to fill their quota after their pursuit of Aston Villa's Jack Grealish proved to be unsuccessful.

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Signing Ake would erase that issue but the biggest asset that the 23-year-old can provide is not his home-grown status but the fact that he could craft an impressive long-term partnership in the heart of defence alongside Davinson Sanchez.

With Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld both in the twilight years of their careers, Spurs need to find an adequate replacement and Ake should be top of their list due to his talent, not the fact that he is home-grown - although that does provide another boost.