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Nottingham Forest have reignited a target from the January window, if reports are to be believed as we head into the madness of the summer transfer period.

Steve Cooper will hope to strengthen his side during the break ahead of another busy Premier League season, in the hope to push on from near survivors to an established club in the top-division once more.

The latest talent linked with a move to the City Ground is a familiar face to England, and one that could form a strong partnership in the Welshman’s plans.

What’s the latest on Romain Saiss to Nottingham Forest?

As reported by Turkish outlet Sabah Spor this week, Forest are interested in Besiktas defender Romain Saiss.

The report claims that the Premier League outfit are getting closer to reaching the club’s €4m (£3.4m) price tag of the centre-back, with the Moroccan having his ‘mind set’ on a return to England.

Forest were in contact with the Turkish side in January over the availability of the 33-year-old, according to reports.

What could Romain Saiss offer to Nottingham Forest?

Having been lauded as “incredible” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, the former Wolverhampton Wanderers commander could bring talent as well as a host of experience to Forest’s back line.

The 33-year-old titan made 206 total appearances for Wolves, gaining a heap of Premier League experience and impressing during his stay in England.

Last season, the Morocco star was monstrous at Molineux before making the move to the Super Lig where the colossus has continued to show his worth in central defence.

Despite finding his form towards the end of the season in Istanbul, the Morocco captain is reportedly eyeing a move back to the comforts of the Premier League, where he could prove to be a powerful introduction at the City Ground.

Predominantly lining his central defenders in a back three, Cooper could bolster his defensive ranks by securing the signature of Saiss, who could form a fearsome partnership alongside the talents of Joe Worrall.

The 26-year-old made 21 starts this campaign for the Tricky Trees and could cement himself as one of Cooper’s untouchable defenders in accommodating the arrival of Saiss.

When comparing the duo via FBref, the numbers suggest that due to their opposing strengths in playing at centre-back, the pair could form a strong in-play bond that could higher the level of performance in defence.

The Englishman comes out on top in terms of typical defensive attributes such as tackling and duel winning, averaging 2.14 tackles per 90 to the 33-year-old’s 1.33 in the Premier League last season, as well as winning 61% of his total duels this campaign to Saiss’ 57%, with an average of 3.8 won per game.

However, the experienced defender could provide Worrall with a composed outlet to induce progressive play in the back line, as hinted by his 4.56 progressive passes per 90 to the Nottingham-born gem’s 2.71, via FBref, meaning he could provide a fresh approach at the back.

Having a ball-playing defender is essential in the Premier League, with a lot praised by teams playing out from the back to build wave after wave of attack.

Cooper could, therefore, add another dimension to his defence by placing an colossal individual as savvy on the ball as Saiss to play alongside Worrall.

Tottenham Hotspur are believed to have moved ahead in the race to sign Leicester City midfielder, James Maddison, with the playmaker looking set to leave his current home this summer.

What's the latest on Maddison to Tottenham?

That's according to journalist Scott Wilson, who revealed that the Lilywhites have nudged in front of Newcastle United in the battle to land the 26-year-old, with the England international said to favour a move to north London ahead of making the switch to St James' Park.

Writing on Twitter on Monday, the transfer insider stated: "Tottenham ahead of #NUFC in the battle to sign James Maddison – with the Leicester midfielder preferring a move to London to a switch to the North-East. Suspect things might move fairly quickly once tonight's England game is out of the way…"

In his attached piece for the Northern Echo, Wilson went on to add that Spurs are seemingly ready to offer a more 'lucrative' salary in order to tempt the Coventry-born gem into making a move, with the player set to cost in the region of £50m with only 12 months left on his current contract.

Would Maddison be a good signing for Tottenham?

Despite the overall disappointment of slipping to relegation at the King Power Stadium, Maddison did enjoy a standout 2022/23 campaign on an individual basis after chipping in with ten goals and nine assists in just 30 Premier League games, taking his total tally for the Foxes to 96 goal involvements in only 203 outings across all fronts.

While the highly-rated "baller" – as described by The Athletic's Carl Anka – is likely to operate in an attacking midfield role in Ange Postecoglou's preferred 4-3-3 formation at N17, the £110k-per-week man has also been utilised in a wide berth in recent times, scoring three goals and registering four assists in seven outings as a right winger last season, as per Transfermarkt.

The former Norwich City man's quality on the flanks is also illustrated by his statistical likeness to his compatriot, Bukayo Saka, as he boasts an 89.4% similarity to the Arsenal wizard – according to Opta's Player Radars – with that seemingly making the 21-year-old the closest match to the Leicester ace.

That comparison can be seen by the fact that the latter man ranks in the top 4% for goals, while Saka ranks in the top 3% in that regard, with the pair also alike due to their creative quality, as Maddison ranks in the top 6% for chances created, while the Gunners dynamo ranks in the top 12% for that same metric – as per Opta.

That likeness to Saka is particularly noteworthy amid the youngster's recent standout display for the Three Lions against North Macedonia on Monday evening, with the fleet-footed gem bagging a hat-trick in that thumping 7-0 win at Old Trafford.

Such a stellar performance followed what was a largely standout season for the 5 foot 10 speedster as he registered 14 goals and 11 assists in the top flight as part of Mikel Arteta's ultimately failed title challenge, having been lauded as "exceptional" by national team boss, Gareth Southgate.

For Postecoglou to be able to land his own version of Saka with the signing of Maddison could prove to be a particularly special piece of business, with the hope being that the three-cap menace can prove just as influential in north London as his international colleague.

An update has emerged on Chelsea and their plans to bolster their attacking options in the summer transfer window…

What’s the latest on Victor Osimhen to Chelsea?

According to Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri, the Blues are one of a number of clubs pursuing a deal for Victor Osimhen from Napoli ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.

The report claims that Mauricio Pochettino’s side have a meeting with the player’s representatives planned as they eye up a swoop for the Nigerian, whose priority is to move to the Premier League, in the coming weeks.

There is no mention of how much the Italian side are prepared to demand for their star number nine but Le Parisien recently reported that it would take a staggering €180m (£155m) to secure his services this summer.

How would Victor Osimhen fit in at Chelsea?

Pochettino typically lines up with a 4-3-3 system and as such, Osimhen could play through the middle as his starting centre-forward, with new signing Nicolas Jackson lining up on the right.

Chelsea are reportedly set to sign the £30m Villarreal attacker this month and the club’s head coach could utilise him off the right flank, despite him predominantly playing as a centre-forward in Spain.

Jackson has experience of playing on the right wing and he could form an exciting partnership with Osimhen in the final third, as both players have showcased their ability to find the back of the net on a regular basis.

The Blues only scored 38 goals in 38 Premier League matches and bringing in two forwards with the potential to explode in the final third would be a huge boost to Pochettino ahead of next season.

Osimhen, who was described as a "goal-scoring machine" by journalist Josh Bunting, enjoyed a fantastic 22/23 campaign as the Nigerian number nine plundered an exceptional 26 goals in 30 Serie A outings for Napoli, which is 19 more than any Chelsea player managed in the top-flight last term.

These statistics suggest that the 24-year-old, who has scored 59 goals in 101 matches in all competitions for the Italian ourfit, would be a phenomenal addition to the squad and one that could finally solve their woes in front of goal.

Jackson, meanwhile, struck 12 times in 16 LaLiga starts for Villarreal and created seven 'big chances' for his teammates, suggesting that the 22-year-old ace could offer a huge goal-scoring threat whilst also being able to provide Osimhen, and others, with opportunities to score.

Indeed, the thought of both effervescent forwards in the same front line must be a mouthwatering thought for everyone associated with Chelsea.

Liverpool endured a difficult 2022/23 campaign as they finished fifth in the Premier League and missed out on qualification for the Champions League by four points.

Jurgen Klopp has reacted to that disappointment by adding two new players to his squad in the off-season, with Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai coming in to bolster the midfield department.

However, the German head coach may not be finished there as the Reds have been linked with further signings ahead of next season.

Liverpool, along with the likes of Arsenal, Newcastle, Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, are reportedly interested in signing Fenerbahce talent Arda Guler, who has a release clause of €17.5m (£15m) in his contract with the Turkish giants.

What is Arda Guler's style of play?

The teenage dynamo is a creative midfield player whose strengths include dribbling, opening up opposition defences, and delivering consistently impressive performances.

Guler's exceptional form for Fenerbahce last term suggests that the potential is there for him to come in as a huge upgrade on current Liverpool midfielder Harvey Elliott, as both players are left-footed gems who can operate in the middle of the park or out wide on the right.

The Turkey international averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.48 across 20 Super Lig outings and caught the eye with his contributions in possession.

He created two chances alongside two completed dribbles per game for his side, whilst the 18-year-old also chipped in with four goals, which shows that the mercurial maestro is capable of committing defenders and providing teammates with opportunities in front of goal on a regular basis.

Elliott, on the other hand, averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.81 over 32 Premier League matches, which placed him 17th within the squad. The England U21 international produced 0.8 key passes along with 0.6 dribbles per outing for the Reds, who did not have any player with as many as two chances created per game – with Trent Alexander-Arnold (1.9) leading the way.

Therefore, Guler could offer more than Elliott in possession due to his ability to create for others whilst also being able to push the team up the pitch by beating defenders with his quick feet.

No Liverpool star managed a higher Sofascore rating than 7.32 and this indicates that Guler, who was described as a “sensation” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, has the potential to develop into an outstanding midfielder for Klopp, if he can translate his form in Turkey over to England.

At the age of 18, the Fenerbahce wizard has plenty of time on his hands to develop under the German manager's coaching, which means that he could be an excellent addition for the club as an immediate upgrade on Elliott and as a long-term project to bolster the side moving forward.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly among the clubs who are showing an interest in Eintracht Frankfurt forward, Randal Kolo Muani, with questions marks still lingering regarding Harry Kane's long-term future at N17.

What are the latest Tottenham transfer rumours?

With rumours rife that Bayern Munich are desperate to try and sign the England skipper – having lodged a £70m offer for the 29-year-old this week – it looks as if Spurs could, ironically, look to the Bundesliga to find a possible replacement for their record goalscorer.

That's according to the Independent's Miguel Delaney, with the transfer insider revealing that the Lilywhites – alongside both Bayern and Manchester United – have 'seriously looked' at Kolo Muani, albeit with Paris Saint-Germain currently the frontrunners in the battle to land the 24-year-old.

As per the report, the nine-cap France international – who was linked with a move to north London back in the winter window – could be available for a fee of around £80m, despite having a previous price tag of closer to £100m.

How many goals has Randal Kolo Muani scored?

If Ange Postecoglou and co are forced to find a suitable successor to Kane then they should simply look no further than the Frankfurt ace, with the World Cup finalist arguably the "complete" package, as hailed by compatriot, Kylian Mbappe.

While hardly prolific during his time at former club, Nantes – where the 6 foot 2 whiz scored 23 goals in 87 games for the then-Ligue 1 side – the Bondy-born marksman has come alive since sealing a move to Germany a year ago, having racked up 40 goal involvements in just 46 games in all competitions last term.

That included a stellar haul of 15 goals and 14 assists in 32 Bundesliga outings for the 2022 Europa League winners, with Kolo Muani evidently proving himself as a player who can offer a clinical presence himself through the middle, as well as being up to bring others into play with his creative instincts.

That dual role as both a goal-getter and provider is one which Kane has taken on so impressively for Spurs in recent times, with the 280-goal machine memorably finishing atop the charts for both goals (23) and assists (14) in the Premier League during the 2020/21 campaign.

The manner in which they are able to hurt the opposition does appear somewhat different it must be said, however, with Kane's creative talents seeing him rank in the top 4% among his European peers for progressive passes, while Kolo Muani is far more effective as a ball carrier, as he ranks in the top 7% for progressive carries and the top 5% for successful take-ons.

That dynamic quality has ensured that the Frenchman is the type of player who "annoys" defenders and is "really hard to defend" against, according to international colleague, Ibrahima Konate, hence why a raft of Europe's top clubs are looking his way at present.

Of course, there will be few at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium who will be relishing the prospect of losing Kane any time soon such has been his remarkable consistency over the last decade or so, although if Postecoglou is forced to find a worthy heir to the Three Lions star, then there may be few better options than that of Kolo Muani.

While there may be fears that the latter man is a mere flash in the pan, with last season having been a real breakout campaign, such a move looks like it could be a gamble worth taking for the Lilywhites.

Tottenham Hotspur defender Eric Dier is excited to play under new manager Ange Postecoglu and wants to stay and fight for his place next season.

How long has Eric Dier been at Tottenham?

Since the Englishman joined Spurs from Portuguese side Sporting CP for a bargain €5.00m (£4m) in July 2014, Dier has had a very mixed bag of a career in north London.

Under Mauricio Pochettino, the Kent-born player grew into a promising defensive midfielder in the division, forming a "monstrous" partnership with Victor Wanyama and being the perfect defensive counterpart for Mousa Dembele.

Dier was a crucial part of the Tottenham side that finished second in the Premier League in the 2016/17 season, making 36 appearances in the league and scoring two goals.

Towards the end of Pochettino's tenure at Spurs, the English international began to transition to centre-back, where he has played since Jose Mourinho's stint at the club.

Since the 2019/20 season, the former Everton youth player has made 132 appearances for the north London outfit at the heart of the defence, in addition to 10 appearances at centre-half for England.

It's not been plain sailing since the transition for Dier, with him making a number of high-profile mistakes, most notably last season against Liverpool and Brentford, and receiving plenty of criticism from fans, journalists, and pundits alike, with journalist Ryan Taylor stating earlier this year that Dier is a "very poor" defender.

However, every manager that comes through the door at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium seems to consistently pick the Englishman, so he must be doing something right to keep the support of elite managers such as Mourinho and Antonio Conte.

Speaking on the Last Word on Spurs podcast, Sky Sports editor and journalist Lyall Thomas revealed that Dier intends to stay and fight for his place this season under new boss Postecoglu amid reports suggesting he could potentially leave:

"I think Dier will stay, as I understand it that is absolutely right that he does want to stay and fight for his place and play under Ange and I think Dier could still be a useful player for Spurs."

Will Eric Dier play for Tottenham Hotspur next season?

It will be interesting to see if Dier plays as much next season as he has done in previous campaigns due to a number of factors.

Spurs look set to attack the market in search of at least one centre-back addition this summer, with reports linking them to names such as Micky Van de Ven, Edmond Tapsoba, and Marc Guehi. All three options that have been heavily linked play on the left side of defence, which is the position that the 29-year-old looked set to take up this season as Argentine defender Cristian Romero appears to be the first choice on the right-hand side.

Another issue that faces Dier is a potential system change. New boss Postecoglou plays a very open and expansive style of football with a higher defensive line, which is a stark contrast from the football that Spurs have become known for in recent years. The Australian manager also prefers to set up with a back four rather than a back five, which is a defensive shape that Dier has very rarely played in, with both club and country opting for the five defenders in recent seasons

The former Sporting man has come through adversity and fought his way back into the England squad last year, and you could easily see him doing it again and starting ahead of the new signings. However, this is shaping up to be his toughest test yet when considering all the factors going against him.

Manchester United are reportedly willing to meet Fiorentina’s €30m (£25.7m) asking price to sign midfielder Sofyan Amrabat.

Are Man United signing Sofyan Amrabat?

The Red Devils and Erik ten Hag have already made a start on their summer business by bringing in Mason Mount from Chelsea in a deal worth £60m. The England international has taken the famous number seven shirt at Old Trafford, and a new goalkeeper and forward also appear to be on the agenda.

After David de Gea officially left the club, United have been pushing to sign Andre Onana from Inter Milan, and it looks as if a move is close for the Cameroon international.

Onana may not be the final addition, though, with an offer made for Atalanta’s Rasmus Hojlund. The Red Devils proposed a player-plus-cash move, however, the Serie A side aren’t interested and would only want an £85.5m payment for the Denmark international.

Another new midfielder could also be a possibility, with previous reports this month suggesting that personal terms had already been agreed between United and Amrabat.

The Faithful MUFC relayed a further update from Spain in the last 48 hours regarding Amrabat and a possible move to Old Trafford. It is believed that Ten Hag has personally requested Amrabat’s services in Manchester and sees Amrabat as an ideal partner for Casemiro. The Red Devils are willing to pay Fiorentina’s €30m (£25.7m) asking price.

Barcelona have also been showing an interest in the midfielder as they look to replace Sergio Busquets, however, the La Liga champions seemingly cannot afford Amrabat at this moment in time, leaving the door open for Man United.

How good is Sofyan Amrabat?

Amrabat actually worked under Ten Hag at FC Utrecht and has been with Fiorentina since 2020. The 26-year-old has made more than 100 appearances for his current employers and has enjoyed a solid 12 months which has resulted in his Transfermarkt valuation increasing from €10m to a career-high €30m.

As per FBref in the last 365 days, Amrabat ranks in the top 1% of midfielders for long passes completed, top 2% for medium passes completed, top 5% for overall pass completion percentage and top 8% for passes into the final third, showing how he could bring plenty of control and quality to Old Trafford.

Hailed as a "monster" in the media, Amarabat was also praised by former England manager Fabio Capello for his displays at last year's World Cup in Qatar, with the Italian describing Amrabat as the 'Gennaro Gattuso of Morocco'.

"If I have to name one name, besides the well-known Hakim Ziyech and Achraf Hakimi, it would be Amrabat. He is essential for balance and a great runner. I read that he covered more than fourteen kilometres against Spain. I see him as the Gennaro Gattuso of Morocco."

It looks as if United’s focus at this moment in time is to seal a transfer for Onana, but by the looks of things, they could soon make their move for Amrabat, and you could argue that the Red Devils would be getting a player at the top of his game following his form over the past year.

Chelsea will continue to fight until the 'bitter end' to try and bring Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Moises Caicedo to Stamford Bridge, according to journalist Rudy Galetti.

Is Moises Caicedo headed for Chelsea this window?

As per BBC Sport, Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi has recently spoken about Caicedo in an interview on the Seagulls' pre-season tour of the United States and revealed that he is planning for a future with the Ecuador international in his plans as things stand.

De Zerbi stated: "At the moment Moises is a Brighton player. I spoke with [club owner] Tony Bloom and he told me if the conditions don't change, Moises stays with us. For me it should be great news because it is difficult to find another player like Moises. If Moises leaves we have to find another player of the same level because we deserve to play the next season with the same [quality]."

Last week, Brighton rejected an offer worth £70 million for the £60k-a-week ace, who they believe is worth closer to £100 million and in the same conversation as new Arsenal signing Declan Rice amid his £105 million move to the Emirates, as per Sky Sports.

In conversation with The Transfer Show on Sky Sports News' YouTube channel, reporter Dharmesh Sheth indicated that Caicedo has a 'gentleman's agreement' to leave Brighton this window if the price is right, as he said: "One source has told me earlier on today that Caicedo feels he's got some sort of gentlemen's agreement with Brighton to be able to leave in this transfer window, provided the price is right for Brighton & Hove Albion. Brighton are not commenting on that."

Last term, Caicedo was in an inspired vein of form for Brighton and made 43 appearances in all competitions, registering a solitary goal and an assist, as per Transfermarkt.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Galetti has signalled that the next few days could be 'decisive' concerning negotiations between Brighton, Chelsea and Caicedo.

Galetti said: "Mauricio Pochettino's wish to have him in for the pre-season has not been fulfilled, but Chelsea will still try to please their manager by negotiating to the bitter end with Brighton & Hove Albion.

"Also this week, again, will be decisive for the future of Caicedo, who already has an agreement with Chelsea and continues to push for the move.

"The contact is constant between the two clubs and at any moment there could be a turning point, positive or negative."

Who else are Chelsea keen on this window?

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano on Twitter, Chelsea are keen to land Crystal Palace star Michael Olise, as he stated: "Chelsea and Manchester City have both Michael Olise in their list. Understand there’s release clause into his contract — around £35m. Both clubs are waiting for clarity about his conditions as he picked up injury last month."

On the same token, Italian journalist Romano has also revealed that Chelsea are 'advancing' in their attempts to sign Montpellier striker Elye Wahi. He will then be loaned out to continue his development in 2023/24.

The Evening Standard report that Ajax's Mohammed Kudus, Celta Vigo midfielder Gabri Veiga and Southampton youngster Romeo Lavia are all candidates to bolster the Blues' midfield.

Mauricio Pochettino is believed to be open to buying two players in the engine room this summer as he gets to work at Stamford Bridge ahead of the new campaign kicking into gear.

There has been an update regarding Tottenham Hotspur's interest in Chelsea midfielder, Conor Gallagher…

What's the latest on Gallagher to Tottenham?

According to 90min journalist Graeme Bailey, the Lilywhites – as well as both West Ham United and Brighton and Hove Albion – have held negotiations regarding a move for the 23-year-old, albeit with that Premier League trio seemingly unwilling to match the Blues' £50m price tag.

Writing on Twitter, the transfer insider revealed: "Chelsea open to Conor Gallagher sale but they stand firm on valuation. West Ham, Tottenham and Brighton have all had talks – but none would be willing to pay £50m for him."

This follows prior reports which outlined that Spurs are keeping an eye on the seven-cap England international as a possible replacement for Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, with the Danish midfielder potentially in line for a move to Atletico Madrid.

Who have Tottenham signed from Chelsea previously?

It would no doubt be something of a controversial move if Gallagher was to trade west London for north London this summer, with ex-Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino having perhaps burned a few bridges with his former employers after taking the top job at Stamford Bridge, such is the rivalry between the two long-time foes.

One of the most notable figures to have crossed the divide in the Premier League era is former Sunderland and Brighton boss, Gus Poyet, with the Uruguayan playmaker having been snapped up by the Lilywhites from the Blues on a £1m deal back in 2001.

A midfielder by trade – like Gallagher – the 6 foot 2 maestro had cemented himself as a real cult figure among Chelsea supporters amid his fine displays in the late 90s for the club, having bagged 49 goals in 145 games in all competitions.

That four-year stint with the Blues had seen Poyet win the FA Cup, the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup and the UEFA Super Cup, with it no doubt having been something of a coup for Spurs to be able to poach the former Real Zaragoza man at the time, despite his advancing years.

As it proved, the current Greece boss endured a mixed time of it at White Hart Lane after sealing the move as injuries inhibited his impact, although the veteran talent – who was 33 at the time of the switch – did net 14 goals in his debut season to help power the club to the League Cup final.

In total, the now-retired ace would end his time at N17 with a respectable tally of 23 goals in 98 games across all fronts, with there no doubt a hope that Gallagher – who memorably scored eight league goals during the 2021/22 campaign while on loan at Crystal Palace – can also pose a real attacking threat for Ange Postecoglou's side over the coming years.

With the Englishman in the early stages of his playing career – unlike Poyet was when trading the Blues for Spurs – the hope would be that he could make a more long-term impact at the club, as he is undoubtedly an "extraordinary" talent, according to ex-Chelsea boss, Thomas Tuchel.

Although the Epsom-born menace may anger his current employers if he is to join the Postecoglou revolution this summer, the north Londoners will no doubt relish the prospect of landing another marquee midfielder from their rivals.

Tottenham Hotspur remain in pursuit of Bayer Leverkusen defender Edmond Tapsoba as renowned football journalist Fabrizio Romano shares an update.

Who will Spurs sign?

Tapsoba, who starred in Germany last season, is just one of the centre-backs being targeted as manager Ange Postecoglou attempts to shore up a leaky backline.

Spurs are also expected to lodge a bid for Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo soon, according to reports, with Postecoglou recently expressing the importance of signing a new defender.

"That's definitely our intention, absolutely," said the Spurs head coach when asked about centre-backs.

"We've been working on it for a while and we'll definitely try to get it done as quickly as possible.

"I don't think it's any secret about some of the areas we needed to strengthen. Some of it I identified early on. The goalkeeper was one and central defence is another.

"In terms of the other boys, we've got a big squad but my view is I wanted to bring them along and just work with them, get some clarity in my head and give clarity to them."

Other names to be repeatedly linked with a move to north London include Wolfsburg's Micky van de Ven, Galatasary's Victor Nelsson, Barcelona's Clement Lenglet and Juventus defender Gleison Bremer.

The Lilywhites, much to the dismay of supporters, leaked 63 league goals last season – numbers which may have cost Spurs a place in Europe for next campaign.

It stands out as Tottenham's main weakness, so bringing in capable defensive reinforcement or two should be a top, top priority before deadline day.

Tapsoba has been regularly mentioned as a top transfer target, with reliable transfer reporter Romano sharing what he knows on the Burkina Faso international.

Speaking to GiveMeSport, the journalist claims Spurs have the 24-year-old very high on their list alongside van de Ven, adamant that Tapsoba is very much wanted by Tottenham.

"For sure," said Romano.

"He [Tapsoba] remains on the list alongside Micky van de Ven, who has always been one of the centre-backs they want at Tottenham."

Nothing is added beyond that, but it appears Spurs are waiting patiently to move further ahead with their moves for either player, presumably due to all the noise surrounding star striker Harry Kane's future right now.

How good is Edmond Tapsoba?

The fact Tapsoba played more Bundesliga minutes than any other Leverkusen outfielder last season highlights his quality, and just how crucial he is to manager Xabi Alonso.

Only teammate Jonathan Tah made more clearances per 90 last campaign out of Leverkusen's squad, and the imposing defender has also been called "fundamental" for his country.

Meanwhile, the Bundesliga website have likenend Tapsoba's playing style to former Bayern Munich star Jerome Boateng – namely for his distribution.

They wrote:

"The legendary Bayern Munich defender, who made 364 appearances across 11 seasons for the Bavarian giants, was as cool and calm as it gets both on the ball and in the tackle while he was also famed for his pinpoint long passing that set up many an attack for the record champions. Tapsoba has similar traits and such is his eagerness to start forward thrusts, he has often been referred to as a defensive playmaker."