Tottenham Hotspur could be eyeing a solution to their long-term right-back problem if emerging reports are to be believed...

What's the word?

According to Football Insider, Spurs have registered an interest in signing Norwich City starlet Max Aarons ahead of the summer transfer window.

It's claimed that, despite a failed move in the past, the North London outfit have reignited their pursuit of the 21-year-old as one of their main priorities ahead of next season.

The Canaries are said to be willing to let their first-choice defender leave for around £30m after he gave the Championship winners another season of service following relegation from the big time.

Finally a solution?

One of Spurs' recurring problems this season has been defensive mistakes, as noted by The Athletic, and the right side of the backline has been particularly troublesome.

Matt Doherty was signed in the summer with the intention of replacing Serge Aurier, but in reality, neither have been able to cement down a regular spot in the starting XI, with academy prospect Japhet Tanganga and even Moussa Sissoko playing there at times.

The former Wolves man, signed for £15m, has started only 12 league games, whilst recently, the Ivory Coast international was dubbed "one of the biggest liabilities in the Premier League" and was described as a player who would "put you off management" by Sky Sports' Jamie Carragher.

It's rather telling that he's the one to start the most in the role, playing 18 times in the top-flight this term.

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Not since Kyle Walker have Spurs had a solid and long-term option. He left for Manchester City nearly four years ago, earning Daniel Levy a cool £45m plus add-ons.

His replacement Kieran Trippier, who was already at the club, stepped up but within two seasons, he had swapped North London for Madrid in a deal worth around £20m.

Since then, it's clear that Aurier and now Doherty, who may well have been sold this summer had Jose Mourinho remained (as per ESPN), have failed to step up to the mark, so enter Aarons.

After an impressive maiden campaign in the Premier League, it was a surprise to see the England U21 international remain at Carrow Road and not follow his ex-teammate, Ben Godfrey, into the top-flight following Norwich's relegation.

But it may well have worked in his favour as he's elevated his game to a new level.

No player has played more minutes for the Canaries this season than Aarons (3,959) and in the last year, his average WhoScored rating has risen from 6.55 to 6.92.

He has added more goal contributions (two goals, one assist) and is proving to be a valuable part of Daniel Farke's attack, averaging 1.4 key passes (vs 0.6 last term) and 1.3 dribbles per game.

Back in December, Farke waxed lyrical about his trusted youngster, telling reporters: "In my eyes, he is not the young Max Aarons, he is just a special player and he has an unbelievable future. I know he has been labelled as one of the best young players in this league. Well, I told him we can reject this label now because he is no longer one of the best young players, he is one of the best players."

Whilst his former England U21 coach Aidy Boothroyd claimed he "gives 100% in training and matches" and offers "real energy" to the side.

On all the evidence above, and considering he's only 21, Levy could secure Spurs their long-term solution in he problem right-back position with a swoop for the £18m-rated Championship dynamo.

AND in other news, Levy could pile more misery on Spurs by hiring 47 y/o with a 30% PL win rate...