If reports are to be believed, Tottenham Hotspur boss Jose Mourinho is on the hunt for a new central defender this January transfer window.

And one mooted winter target has just delivered a masterclass for all to see.

Back in late November, 90min claimed that Spurs were scouring Europe for potential defensive additions with Sassuolo powerhouse Gian Marco Ferrari among the options being considered ahead of 2021.

On Wednesday evening, the 28-year-old Italian was in action for the Serie A outfit as they defeated Genoa 2-1 at the Mapei Stadium.

Ferrari was arguably the star of the show for the Neroverdi.

The 6 foot 2 colossus was involved in the game more than any other player on the pitch, recording a whopping 110 touches, whilst he also held firm at the back despite leaking one goal as he recorded three interceptions, one tackle and one clearance, per SofaScore.

He was even on point with his passing, making 93 of 101 attempts (92%), which is everything Mourinho will want to see in one of his centre-backs - that ability to play out from the back.

Danny Mills once told Football Insider: "We know what Mourinho likes, he wants defenders to defend, to be consistent and just do the simple things."

That was in reference to Davinson Sanchez, who is thought to be open to leaving the club this window as he's often been snubbed from their Premier League squad, as per The Athletic.

Valued at just £9m by Transfermarkt, Ferrari could be an absolute bargain especially when fees in excess of £40m are being bandied about for Milan Skriniar and Merih Demiral.

The Italian has started all 15 of Sassuolo's matches this term, where he has averaged 2.5 clearances, 1.5 interceptions, 1.2 tackles and a mighty impressive 91.8% passing accuracy from 76.1 attempts per game, via WhoScored.

In comparison this is way better than the numbers that Eric Dier has been recording since his transition from midfield - indeed, the England international has averaged a disappointing 0.5 tackles, 0.9 interceptions and an 81.5% passing success rate, also per WhoScored.

He is even outshining Skriniar who has only mustered up an average of 2.1 clearances and 1.1 interceptions per game in the very same league.

Daniel Levy has just seen why he must secure this bargain upgrade this month.

AND in other news, Spurs have ready-made Gareth Bale replacement in £25m "huge talent"...