Tottenham Hotspur like World Cup defender and RB Leipzig star Josko Gvardiol 'a lot' alongside rivals Chelsea, according to reports from Italy.

The Lowdown: Paratici eyeing new defender?

Recent reports have suggested that sporting director Fabio Paratici has his eyes on a new defender to potentially shore up Spurs' leaky backline.

Tottenham's recent goals against record in the Premier League will be a point of frustration for Antonio Conte, who is attempting to clinch Champions League qualification yet again this term.

The north Londoners have conceded 11 goals in their last five top-flight games before the World Cup break and have shipped more goals in total than any other team in the top eight.

The Latest: Spurs eyeing Gvardiol...

In a recent interview with Gvardiol's agent, Calciomercato made a Tottenham transfer claim involving the Croatia international, who played the full 90 minutes in his country's two World Cup games so far.

They stated in the article that both Spurs and Chelsea like the 20-year-old 'a lot' amid their search for defensive options, so it appears that Paratici and co very much have their eyes on him.

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The Verdict: Make the move?

Reported to have been valued at around £80m earlier this year, the marquee defender is perhaps one of Paratici's most unattainable targets financially.

That being said, if Spurs were to really push the boat out, the Croatian youngster could seriously strengthen Conte's options at the back.

Hailed as a 'beast' and 'one of the most talented defenders in Europe' by Bundesliga writer Manuel Veth, Gvardiol's tender age and massive potential indicates that the only way is up for a very promising player, and one who we will hopefully see in a Tottenham shirt at some point in the future.