Spurs fans getting in an early round at the Transfer Tavern this morning are mulling over news that their club has entered the race to sign Hull City defender Harry Maguire.

The former Sheffield United youngster has been a crucial part of the Tigers’ revival under Marco Silva since the Portuguese replaced Mike Phelan in January and his performances have not gone unnoticed by some of the Premier League’s bigger clubs.

Indeed, according to The Daily Star, Everton and Southampton have already been tracking the 23-year-old, but Spurs are now a competitor in the race for his signature as well.

The Englishman is reportedly valued at around £15million by the KCOM Stadium outfit, who might well be forced to sell Maguire if they fail to avoid the drop this season.

Maguire would be a solid addition for any Premier League club that signs him this summer, but he feels like a particularly good fit for the White Hart Lane outfit. Here are two reasons why…

Would Maguire be a good signing, Spurs fans? Let us know by commenting below!

Fits the Pochettino profile

Although he’s by no means operated around it exclusively, it’s quite clear Mauricio Pochettino is at his best when developing a rather specific type of player – namely, young, energetic and English. His Southampton tenure saw the likes of Adam Lallana, Nathaniel Clyne and Calum Chambers flourish, whilst the emergence of Harry Kane and Dele Alli has been arguably his biggest success story at White Hart Lane.

Harry Maguire could provide another tale of exceptional development; he’s still young enough to adapt his game around Pochettino’s preferences and comes with that steely grit the Spurs boss seems to like in English talents. By no means a guarantee he’ll be a success at White Hart Lane, but Pochettino’s track record suggests he can get the best out of Maguire.

Can operate in back fours or back threes

With Antonio Conte’s 3-4-3 formation having such a profound effect on tactical thinking in the Premier League this season, Spurs are just one of a number of top flight clubs to have experimented with three-at-the-back over the last few months. In fact, they’re yet to lose a Premier League fixture with a back three, winning four and drawing two.

If Pochettino plans to continue utilising the formation going forward – which seems likely considering how effective Danny Rose and Kyle Walker have been in particular down both flanks – Harry Maguire represents a perfect addition.

Hull have been switching between back threes and back fours frequently under Marco Silva and Maguire has excelled in both set-ups, whilst his ability to play out of the back has been particularly evident when operating as part of a three, notching up two assists this term whilst averaging 1.1 successful dribbles per match.

Using that ball-playing ability in between Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld could bring an even higher level of performance out of the 23-year-old.