According to a recent report from L’Equipe, Benjamin Pavard has played down talk that he has agreed to join German giants Bayern Munich. The 22-year-old currently plays his football at Bundesliga outfit Stuttgart and has done so since 2016, in which time the defender has played 59 times for the club, although is probably best known for helping France win the World Cup during the summer.

And reports had linked the versatile defender to German champions Bayern, only for the £36 million-rated ace (as per Transfermarkt) to play down that talk, which could leave the door ajar for Mauricio Pochettino’s Tottenham to make a move for the 22-year-old in January, given they were linked with him during the summer.

The Breakdown

Ultimately, while Pavard has been a regular for Stuttgart in the last few years, it was his efforts at the World Cup in Russia during the summer which really made many aware of his capabilities, what with the defender starting six of their seven games en route to winning the competition, in which time he scored a sensational goal in victory over Argentina.

In fact, he played the whole tournament at right back to further underline his versatility having played much of his football at Stuttgart in the heart of the defence - as such, it’s hardly surprising that Spurs were interested in the Frenchman, what with the futures of centre back Toby Alderweireld and Danny Rose uncertain throughout the summer.

And while the duo stayed at the North London club beyond the European deadline on August 31, their futures are again likely to be the source of speculation come January and then again in 12 months’ time, which is why news that Pavard has not agreed to join Bayern should be of keen interest to Pochettino.

Clearly, the 22-year-old has got huge ability as both a right back and indeed a centre back, and while he maybe didn’t enjoy a great start to the World Cup in the first game against Australia, he grew into the tournament to become a hugely integral member of Didier Deschamps’ team - he proved his capabilities on the biggest stage of all.

And at the tender age of 22, he is only likely to keep improving as a defender, and under the stewardship of Pochettino, who has a proven track record of developing young players, the Frenchman will surely flourish.

Add in the fact that victory in a World Cup will only do his confidence the world of good, and Pavard looks like exactly the sort of signing Tottenham should be targeting in January in a bid to improve their squad ahead of the second half of the season and beyond.

And having been linked with him during the summer, alongside the news that he hasn’t agreed a deal with Bayern, the door is surely ajar for Spurs to reignite their interest in the 22-year-old.

Tottenham fans… what do you think? Let us know!