Tottenham Hotspur may endure a quiet January transfer window unless they can find a viable option at centre-back and according to latest reports, they might have just done that...

What's the word?

Turkish outlet Fanatik claims that Spurs are one of several teams eyeing a move for Juventus titan Merih Demiral this month with the 22-year-old out-of-favour under Andrea Pirlo.

The north Londoners are set to battle top-flight rivals Liverpool and Leicester City as well as the likes of Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid.

It's claimed that a loan deal with an option to buy won't be possible as the Serie A champions are wanting around €50m (£45m) for his signature.

Instant upgrade

It was only 18 months ago that the Turin-based side paid €18m (£16m) for the Turkey international from fellow Italian outfit Sassuolo, but evidently, he has found it hard to break into the starting XI over either Matthijs de Ligt or Leonardo Bonucci.

When he has played, however, he's been one of Pirlo's best performers, managing an average rating of 7.05, which is above that of the aforementioned duo.

Throughout his career so far, Demiral has averaged 4.6 clearances, 1.7 interceptions and 1.5 tackles per game, via WhoScored. This only shows the sort of resolute and imposing presence he can have at the back.

Something that Spurs could do with - ultimately, they are merely one injury away from a nightmare as they are yet to replace Jan Vertonghen.

The young centre-back has also been likened to Premier League legend Nemanja Vidic due to being a "natural leader" who is "cool under pressure," so if he's even half the player of the former United monster, then Daniel Levy would be onto a major signing.

Spurs may only be in the Europa League but imagine pairing Demiral alongside Toby Alderweireld and Sergio Reguilon, all in front of Hugo Lloris, and slightly behind Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg.

That would start to look like a defensive unit fit for Europe's elite.

AND in other news, £120k-per-week dynamo has just given Mourinho a fresh dilemma...