Tottenham Hotspur have opened talks to sign Jules Kounde...

What's the word?

That's according to Italian transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, who delivered a fresh update on Spurs' pursuit of the impressive Sevilla defender on this week's episode of the 'Here We Go' podcast.

He said:

"Kounde could be an opportunity.

"Also, Manchester United are on the list. Tottenham are considering a move, they are in contact with his agents.

"For sure Tottenham will do something in defence, [at] right-back and centre-back in the next weeks."

It's also thought that the France international is a specific target of newly-appointed manager Nuno Santo, with fellow Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio claiming it is his first request at the club (via Marca).

Instant hit

Nuno has one hell of a job on his hands after Spurs' farcical managerial search came to a much-needed end on Wednesday. One of the biggest problems facing the Portuguese coach is the need to perform a squad overhaul, in which an unhappy Harry Kane features.

The 47-year-old may have to shift a lot of deadwood and underperformers on, in order to bolster the playing squad to the extent that they could challenge the top six again next term.

And according to the Evening Standard's Dan Kilpatrick, the North London outfit are prepared to listen to offers for as many as six first-team stars, including inconsistent centre-back Davinson Sanchez.

Well, if Nuno were to replace the £42m flop with someone of Kounde's calibre, then he could well become an instant hit at the club. It would certainly be one way to win over the small section of supporters that are against his arrival.

Considering his price tag, the Colombian defender has never cemented his place down in the team or lived up to his potential and at just 25, Spurs could make a considerable amount back if they manage to offload him.

He was dubbed a "real liability" and slammed as someone who "costs you 20 goals a season" by a few former professionals during 2020/21.

Kounde could be a real star of the future as at 22 years of age, he's made France's Euro 2020 squad following another impressive season at Sevilla.

He ended the campaign as their highest-rated player (7.01), having averaged three aerial duels won, 1.2 interceptions as well as a 90.1% passing accuracy, via WhoScored.

The £54m-rated beast has been described as a "pretty special" talent by La Liga expert Euan McTear, who told The Transfer Tavern: "He’s still so young, he’s got energy, great positioning too. All the centre-backs, not just in Spain I think, but if you look around Europe, he’s got to be one of the highest prospects."

Interestingly, the 5 foot 10 defender can also play at full-back, so that gives Nuno plenty of potential tactical options heading into next season.

Sevilla are said to want around £50m to let their star man depart this summer but he would be the perfect statement of intent for the newly-appointed Spurs boss.

It's time to wave goodbye to Sanchez to pave the way for the marquee addition of Kounde.

AND in other news, Fabrizio Romano drops exciting Spurs transfer claim...