Tottenham Hotspur are on the search for another centre-back during the winter transfer window if emerging reports are to be believed...

What's the word?

That's according to 90min, who claim that Jose Mourinho is keen to bolster his backline further with a fresh addition from Europe this January, though the north Londoners do not want to spend much over £15m, which could prove tricky.

One name on the list of potential targets is Borussia Dortmund youngster Dan-Axel Zagadou, who figures at the club have previously been interested in.

The 21-year-old is highly-rated by Spurs, though it remains to be seen how likely a move for him will be as he's currently sidelined through injury. He is due back in training this month.

Bye-bye Sanchez

With Toby Alderweireld out through injury, Jose Mourinho only has two senior options in the central defensive role for their Europa League fixtures in the shape of £42m flop Davinson Sanchez and midfielder-turned-defender Eric Dier.

The inexperienced Joe Rodon is able to fill in for Premier League matches, having joined the club after the UEL's squad registration deadline. There is also the possibility of playing Japhet Tanganga in the middle, but the academy graduate is seen as a dynamic full-back by the Portuguese boss.

It also appears that Sanchez has no long-term future at the club either, so the need for a new centre-back is only going to increase further in 2021.

The 24-year-old has not featured for Spurs in the league since their embarrassing 3-3 draw with rivals West Ham. In fact, his appearance on the bench against Chelsea this weekend was the first time he was named in the squad in five outings. That's how little faith the 'Special One' has in him now.

According to Colombian reports, the Mauricio Pochettino signing has been 'erased' from the squad by Mourinho.

Zagadou, whilst injured, would be a decent replacement to consider, especially when he's valued at a fraction of Sanchez's price, at just €20m (£18m) by CIES.

As a player who can also play at left-back, he could be the perfect player to fill the void left behind by Jan Vertonghen. Last season, the Dortmund beast averaged 2.3 aerials won, 2.3 clearances, 1.1 tackles and a passing success rate of 91.1% per game in the Bundesliga, via WhoScored.

BVB boss Lucien Favre has waxed lyrical about the Frenchman too, he said: "His development's been fantastic. He's now played eight games in a row and shows great anticipation. He's outstanding."

Whilst sporting director Michael Zorc has also been impressed by his ability, claiming that he's a player with "huge potential" to Kicker (via Bulinews).

The 6 foot 5 colossus has previously been linked with Arsenal, so it would be one cunning and beneficial swoop from Daniel Levy, especially if he can drive his price down to that magic £15m number.

AND in other news, Forget Hojbjerg: Divisive Spurs star was Mourinho’s real hero at Chelsea...