Tottenham Hotspur rely heavily on the efforts of their wing-backs to uphold Antonio Conte's system, and as such the failings on both sides are exacerbated because of their importance.

Ivan Perisic's signing was a shrewd one, adding experience and a winners mentality to a dressing room devoid of such a characteristic.

It was expected that he would occupy the left flank with ease, and with five assists thus far he has hardly disappointed.

But, at 33 years old, there is little expectation that he can continue this for the foreseeable future.

Therefore, his Italian manager must strive to find his long-term successor and seems to have sent Fabio Paratici on such a mission.

The director of football has seemingly since returned, with reports circulating that link the Lilywhites with a move for French youngster Adrien Truffert. Whilst only briefly mentioned, it is said that the north London outfit are monitoring the 21-year-old with a keen eye.

There is a belief that, with his attacking exploits down the left-hand side, he could emulate the successes of his legendary compatriot Patrice Evra in the Premier League.

The Manchester United hero joined from AS Monaco in 2006, also in the January transfer window, and struggled at first. However, having now retired and filled his trophy cabinet with many Premier League and Champions League titles, this is the ultimate goal for Spurs to attain.

They will hope that Truffert can bring such success with him to the club, with his ability going forward likely to play a big role for many years to come should he join.

Boasting a keen eye for an assist but the defensive qualities to match, the Frenchman is the quintessential modern defender.

Having secured five assists already this season in Ligue 1, he ranks in the top 6% for assists per 90 when compared with other full-backs across Europe.

This is supplemented by an impressive number of blocks and aerials won per game, of which he also sits in the top 4% and 16% respectively when compared against the same group.

His fine all-around displays have captured the attention of the French media, with RMC Sport labelling him "incredible" after one of his many outstanding performances.

To offer such defensive security yet be so clinical going forward is a rare skillset to boast, which Evra managed to attune as part of one of the best sides ever assembled.

Across his time at Old Trafford, he would record ten goals and 38 assists whilst accumulating a mammoth 379 appearances. His dynamism was likely well appreciated by Sir Alex Ferguson, given his longevity within his side.

He was merely a flash of what the modern-day defender might become, and now Truffert could show the world the full vision with a move to Spurs.