According to reports in German media outlet Sport Bild, former Tottenham Hotspur target Marc Barta could be set to leave Borussia Dortmund this month.

What's the word, then?

Well, Sport Bild say that following the arrival of Manuel Akanji – also a reported target for Spurs – from FC Basel, as well as the club targeting a move for Bayer Leverkusen's Jonathan Tah, Barta could be allowed to leave the Bundesliga giants before the transfer window slams shut on January 31.

The Mirror reported that Tottenham were one of the favourites to sign the Spaniard when he left in Barcelona in the summer of 2016, and having missed out on Akanji they may choose to reignite their interest in the 27-year-old.

With Toby Alderweireld currently absent through injury and with continued doubts over his future as he is yet to sign a new contract, Mauricio Pochettino could be looking for extra central defensive cover before the end of the month.

How has Bartra done this season?

While the 27-year-old was a regular at centre-back under previous boss Peter Bosz at the beginning of the campaign, that situation has changed since Peter Stoger replaced the former Ajax manager.

He has still played quite regularly for the German side but he has featured at right-back and even right midfield instead of his preferred position at the heart of the defence, and he may well be on his way out this month.

According to WhoScored.com the defender's main strengths are his tackling, his ball interception and his ability in the air, and he has won 45 tackles, made 41 interceptions and won 45 aerial duels in 16 appearances in the Bundesliga and in the Champions League this term.

Would Tottenham still be interested in him?

As we mentioned previously, Pochettino may still hold an interest in the 27-year-old having reportedly been so keen to sign him 18 months ago, and with doubts remaining over Alderweireld's future.

While the likes of Ben Davies and Eric Dier can deputise in a three-man defence when required, the Spurs boss would likely prefer a more specialist person in the role and Bartra could be the answer.

The former Barcelona man certainly has the ability to be a success for Tottenham and should be approaching the peak years of his career, and he could be available for a reasonable fee if Dortmund are looking to push him out of the door before January 31.

https://video.footballfancast.com/video-2015/january-window.mp4