Tottenham Hotspur could seal one of their biggest signings in recent years, if emerging reports are to be believed...

What's the word?

According to reports in Spain, the north London outfit are interested in a move for Sevilla centre-back Jules Kounde but face stiff competition from Premier League rivals Manchester United and Chelsea.

The 23-year-old has a release clause of €80m (£66m) but it is expected that €70m (£58m) would be enough for the LaLiga outfit to sell.

Major coup

Kounde would be something of a statement from Spurs as they look to desperately bolster Antonio Conte's playing squad with quality additions and starting in defence would be a good place to start after recent results.

The Italian's outfit have lost three successive Premier League matches on the bounce and have leaked seven goals in that run. Only glaring issue has been the options available at his disposal.

In the absence of Eric Dier, Conte has had to turn to Davinson Sanchez, who is often error-prone, whilst full-back Ben Davies continues to take up a place amongst the back three.

After an impressive 2020/21 campaign, Kounde made Didier Deschamps' Euro 2020 squad ahead of players like Bayern Munich's Dayot Upamecano and World Cup winner Samuel Umtiti.

The France international ended the season as Sevilla's highest-rated player (7.01), as per WhoScored figures.

The 5 foot 10 star also averaged a squad-high three aerial duels won - displaying his dominating physical attributes despite his relatively short height - on top of 1.2 interceptions and a remarkable 90.1% passing accuracy, proving that he can play the ball out from the back to good effect.

It's why the £54m-rated powerhouse has been lauded as "pretty special" by Spanish football expert Euan McTear. "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."

That season wasn't a one-off as he continues to impress under Julen Lopetegui.

Therefore, sporting director Fabio Paratici must make Kounde amongst his top targets when the transfer window reopens in the summer. He could easily be the club's biggest and best signing since Heung-min Son, given the need for a new centre-back and the potential on offer here.

AND in other news, "Those inside the club": Journo drops Conte bombshell, Spurs fans will be worried...