Despite being relatively unknown to Premier League followers, Paul Stewart is hopeful that incoming Tottenham defender Takehiro Tomiyasu can be a success in north London.

According to The Athletic, the Japanese centre-back is on the verge of becoming Nuno Espirito Santo's first signing as Spurs boss, with the 22-year-old expected to sign from Serie A side Bologna.

Following a wretched campaign defensively under Jose Mourinho, Santo has taken his steps to improving his defence, with Tomiyasu able to play anywhere across the back-four.

He's made huge strides since moving to Italy from the Belgian league and has progressed well at international level, not only racking up 22 caps for Japan, but has been named in their squad for the Tokyo Olympics.

But whilst the games will further Tomiyasu's experience, it's likely to rule him out of the opening few weeks of the Premier League season, with the final taking place the weekend before Tottenham host Manchester City on the opening-day.

Not many would have heard of the defender prior to his links with Spurs, but Stewart reckons he could spring a surprise.

He exclusively told The Transfer Tavern:

"If Nuno's had his guys looking at him at Wolves, then he's making the decision. You can nick players that stand out. You only have to look at Kante from French division two.

"I'm hoping that Nuno has been looking at him for some time and was looking at him for Wolves and is now looking at him for Spurs – that's what you would hope."