It's no secret Tottenham Hotspur are on the hunt for a new defender this summer. 

The Lilywhites have leaked goals for fun throughout the season, conceding more than Manchester United and Premier League champions Liverpool - to name but a few.

Darren Bent has backed Tottenham to sign Aston Villa star Tyrone Mings in the summer.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Spurs striker claims the England international would slot right into Jose Mourinho's side as he could come at a reasonable price.

Earlier this month, the outlet revealed Villa are aware they could be forced to sell their star player for £30m if they are relegated at the end of the season.

Bent believes his old club need to bolster at the back and insists they should rival Everton in the race to sign Mings in the summer.

The player-turned-pundit told assistant editor Russell Edge: “Toby Alderweireld is a massive player for them and if they can keep him fit, great.

“The toughy with Spurs is – and this is where the difficulty is going to come with this team – where can they go and strengthen and where are they going to find that player?

“For them, I thought well you need defenders, I thought what about Tyrone Mings going from Aston Villa to Spurs?

“£30million, natural left-sided player, he’s got a little bit of pace about him as well and so that could work. I’d be surprised if they’re not in the market for him.”

It is hard to argue with Bent here, as Mings has been one of the few positive talking points in an otherwise abysmal season for Villa.

He was at the heart of the team that beat Arsenal on Tuesday night, showing real grit and determination as Villa picked up a victory that could prove vital as the relegation battle reaches its climax later this week.

Jan Vertonghen is seemingly set to leave, while questions remain over Juan Foyth's future in north London, which would leave space for Mings to take their place in the squad.

Meanwhile, Toby Alderweireld is arguably the club's best defender, as he has earned the highest WhoScored rating out of all of his closest rivals so far.

Mings, 27, joined Villa from Bournemouth last year after an impressive loan spell and he has played an integral part in the team's battle for survival this season, as he set up Trezeguet's first-touch screamer to move out of the Premier League relegation zone with one game to go.

However, they are tied with Watford on 34 points, separated by goal difference alone, with everything left to play for in the final game of the season.

If Villa fail to beat the drop, they may have to resort to selling key players in the summer, which is something Daniel Levy could exploit.

Tottenham fans, should Levy sign Mings this summer? Let us know down below!