Tottenham Hotspur have Jerome Boateng atop their summer transfer wishlist...

What's the word?

That's according to Sport Bild, who claim the 32-year-old is attracting interest from Spurs ahead of the expiry of his contract at Bayern Munich next month.

Boateng will be free to join any club he wants in the upcoming window and it is believed he would accept a substantial pay cut to his reported £210k-per-week wages, though he desires a lengthy three-year contract.

Last month, Sky Germany suggested the German international had held 'concrete talks' with the North London outfit.

Short-term fix

It seems apparent that reinforcements in defence will be the priority for Spurs, regardless of who is in charge next season.

Alasdair Gold at football.london believes they are particularly looking for a centre-back with leadership qualities and ideally, he would be one of two additions in the role.

Hardly a surprise given defensive mistakes and inconsistencies have been the defining theme of Spurs' tumultuous season.

A move for Boateng could well be an interesting option to consider as it will cost Levy nothing in terms of a transfer fee, and that will save a ton of money when it comes to finding that other central defensive signing.

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It would also fulfil their desire to find that leader at the back.

The 6 foot 3 colossus is a vastly experienced defender that has won multiple trophies, including a World Cup, nine Bundesliga titles and two Champions Leagues.

Back in 2015, Boateng was considered one of the very best in the world. "He has stabilised his play and now he is a complete player," claimed former German international Matthias Sammer. "There's no question that he is the best defender in the world."

Despite not being offered an extension at the Allianz Arena, he has regularly featured for the Bundesliga champions, playing 37 times in all competitions and remains one of their best ball-playing options, with an average passing accuracy of 88% in the German top-flight.

He's also not really regressed, so there shouldn't be many doubts over his suitability to perform for Spurs. As European football expert Kevin Hatchard told talkSPORT this week:

"He is very much back this season. Hansi Flick is a big supporter of Boateng, he’s played him in the vast majority of the games and he wanted to keep him," before adding: "I think he would be a good short-term option for Spurs. If he shows the form he’s shown this season then he could do well. And he’s free."

The 76-cap beast would be a fine short-term fix to Spurs' defensive issues and if Levy can tie him down to a smaller length contract, then it would certainly be a masterstroke.

AND in other news, Levy spends £60m on 3 new signings: How Spurs' XI could look if Scott Parker is hired...