Tottenham Hotspur are one of multiple Premier League teams lining up a move for Kieran Trippier in what would be a sensational return to north London...

What's the word?

According to 90min, as many as nine English top-flight sides have made an enquiry to Atletico Madrid over the 31-year-old right-back, who joined the LaLiga outfit from Spurs for around £25m back in 2019.

The Lilywhites are said to have asked about his availability heading into the January transfer window.

Manchester United, Newcastle United and Aston Villa are among the many clubs thought to be keen on the England international, though it remains to be seen how much he would command with his release clause being in the region of £50m.

Transfermarkt, however, value him at just £18m.

Bye-bye Doherty?

A move for another right-back this season would surely spell the end for Matt Doherty's time in north London as sporting director Fabio Paratici already signed Emerson Royal to replace Serge Aurier in the summer.

Indeed, it's thought that the Northern Irishman, who was signed by Jose Mourinho for £15m, is on the chopping block next month.

"Spurs would be interested in moving on Dele Alli and possibly Matt Doherty, and there are others they would listen to offers for," revealed The Athletic's Jack Pitt-Brooke this week.

Trippier was a regular part of Diego Simeone's side as they clinched the LaLiga title last season. As per WhoScored figures, he ranked as his second-best player with a rating of 7.20.

On top of providing six assists from defence, the Englishman also led the squad for tackles (2.2 per game) and interceptions (1.4 per game), and was also a major influence in the final third, managing the second-highest number of key passes (1.4 per game).

Despite heading towards his mid-thirties, it's evident that Trippier has still got it and he would be a mighty fine addition to Conte's squad.

Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate has regularly lauded the right-back in the past. In the summer, he was dubbed a "defensive animal" and a "warrior" for his form and contribution at Atletico in recent times.

Spurs fans have always held Trippier in high regard, so they would surely be excited by the prospect of bringing him back to N17, whilst on the above evidence, he would be the perfect signing for Conte.

His ability to contribute at either end of the pitch is exactly what's required in his wing-back system, so sporting director Fabio Paratici must look to seal the former Lilywhites star this winter - at all costs.

AND in other news, Imagine him and Eric Dier: Spurs eyeing swoop for £45m-rated "top player", Conte "wants" him...