Tottenham Hotspur could be closing in on a new central defender if fresh reports emerging from Italy are to be believed...

What's the word?

According to Corriere di Verona, Spurs hold 'strong interest' in Hellas Verona colossus Marash Kumbulla, who did appear to be set for a move to Inter Milan until recently.

Gianluca Di Marzio claimed last month that a €30m (£26.5m) deal had been agreed between the two Serie A clubs but it now appears Antonio Conte will target other options.

The 20-year-old is valued at £22.5m by Transfermarkt despite his lack of experience at the top of the game.

Needed addition

With Jan Vertonghen out the door and Juan Foyth likely to follow suit, it would be wise for Jose Mourinho to add another defender before the window closing next month.

And in Kumbulla, they'd be getting a really impressive addition.

The young Verona colossus has been likened to Milan legend Paolo Maldini due to his aggressive nature and ability to read the game.

In 25 appearances in Serie A last season, Kumbulla averaged 3.3 clearances, 2.6 aerials won, 2 interceptions and 1.6 tackles per match, via WhoScored, which only goes to show that he's a complete beast at the back.

Others have compared him to Giorgio Chiellini as he has the "classic frame of a long-serving Serie A defender" with that being tall in stature, broad shoulders and the ferocity to overpower the opposition.

No centre-back in the Italian top-flight won more defensive duels before lockdown than Kumbulla either.

The 6 foot 1 monster would be an ideal signing to strike fear into the rest of the Premier League, either to replace Vertonghen or Foyth. Pair him up with Toby Alderweireld and it'll be like his fellow Belgian counterpart never left.

£26.5m may seem a little pricey, but that's a mere scratch on the £80m paid for Harry Maguire.

AND in other news, Mourinho could unleash frightening Spurs attack with £45m speedster...