Frank McAvennie has been left excited by reports that Tottenham are now eyeing Southampton right-back Tino Livramento, with Fabio Paratici having already made preliminary moves.

The Lowdown: Spurs interest in Livramento

Last week, Football Insider revealed that Spurs have their sights set on signing the 19-year-old in the summer, with Paratici already undertaking the preliminary steps in formulating a potential deal.

When the full-back signed for the Saints last September, The Athletic reported that Chelsea have a buyback option of £38m, which becomes active in 2023.

Calciomercato have reported that Manchester United have also joined the race for the teenager, so it could be a tough battle for Spurs if they wish to pursue the right-back in the summer.

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The Latest: McAvennie’s claim…

McAvennie has insisted that Tottenham need to acquire new defenders and has claimed that Livramento fits the bill for Antonio Conte.

Speaking with Football Insider, the 61-year-old said: “Tottenham have needed new defenders for years. Everybody knows it. The defending has been terrible for years.

“You have Harry Kane at the other end of the pitch trying to score as many as possible because he knows his defenders will concede. It doesn’t surprise me at all if they are looking at getting some new defenders in.

“This guy fits the profile for what the club will want in a new player. Targeting a young English talent is always a good move but it will cost stupid money for that reason.”

The Verdict: Livramento won't come cheap…

It is no secret that Conte wanted to bring in a new right wing-back in January, having failed at the last minute to sign Adama Traore from Wolves, who instead opted to join La Liga giants Barcelona.

Therefore, Livramento would seem an ideal target for Spurs, illustrated by his age and fantastic form in the top flight. The 19-year-old has averaged 2.2 tackles, 1.9 interceptions and 1.9 clearances per game in the Premier League (via WhoScored), demonstrating his ability at the highest level.

Those figures would put him fourth in the Tottenham squad for tackles per game and ahead of everyone at the north London club for interceptions per match (via WhoScored).

However, it is clear that the youngster won’t come cheap. Livramento joined Southampton last August for just £5m, and now it seems it would take in excess of £38m to secure his signature in the summer, a 760% increase in less than 12 months.

Therefore, Tottenham will need to be willing to break the bank if they want to sign the promising youngster, who has been likened to former N17 idol Gareth Bale by his Saints team-mate Theo Walcott.

In other news: Insider reveals Spurs’ plans for one up-and-coming starlet