Tottenham make ‘late bid’ for in-demand defender as La Liga star placed on shortlist

Tottenham will already be focussed on improving the squad ahead of their Champions League return.

It was a superb season for Spurs under Antonio Conte, snatching fourth place at the death to return to UEFA’s premier competition.

But they won’t want to be there just to make up the numbers, and to compete in both the Champions League and Premier League, quality new signings will be required.

Conte and Fabio Paratici will be working on new arrivals this summer, in order to improve quality and depth.

Here we round up all the latest transfer news and rumours surrounding the white end of north London:

Spence links

Tottenham are said to have made a move to sign Middlesbrough star Djed Spence this summer.

Dean Jones gave an update of the situation on the Football Terrace Podcast, revealing that Spurs put a late bit in despite Nottingham Forest having a £13million deal in place to take him back following a successful loan spell.

Spence will likely have to choose between being a regular at Forest in the Premier League or being a supplamentary player at Spurs, albeit with a bigger upside of the opportunity to play European football.

Estupinan interest

Another full-back being linked with a move to north London is Villarreal star Pervis Estupinan.

The Ecuardorian hasn’t set the world alight at Estadio de la Ceramica, but he did put in some impressive performances in the Champions League this season.

According to Marca, Conte is keen on a move for Estupinan this summer, and it’s worth keeping in mind that the Yellows want to sign Giovano Lo Celso permanently this summer, giving Spurs grounds for negotiation.

Witsel latest

One player Tottenham could well miss out on is Borussia Dortmund midfielder Axel Witsel.

The holding midfielder is out of contract this summer, and he has previously been linked with a move to north London.

But it seems French giants Marseille are keen to pull off a move, and Le10 Sport claim they are now frontrunners in the race.