Graham Roberts would rather see Tottenham Hotspur beef up their defence by signing Milan Skriniar than paying £50million for Ben White, a reported target.

Spurs are looking for defensive reinforcements after an underwhelming campaign which saw them finish seventh in the Premier League standings and make do with sealing a place in the Europa Conference League instead of meeting their pre-season target of returning to the UEFA Champions League.

Nuno Espirito Santo was appointed as Jose Mourinho's eventual successor last week, having seen Ryan Mason take interim charge following the Portuguese's sacking in April, and one of his priorities is improving Spurs' defensive record.

White, who notched 39 appearances for Brighton & Hove Albion last season, is in Gareth Southgate's England squad for Euro 2020 and made his international debut in the pre-tournament friendly win over Austria last month.

Spurs' north London rivals Arsenal have also been heavily linked with the 23-year-old, with the Gunners seeing two bids knocked back by Brighton, who could cost £50m.

But Spurs legend Roberts feels Slovakia international defender Skriniar, who starred as Inter won the Serie A title last term, should be at the forefront of Nuno's mind instead of White.

Speaking exclusively to The Transfer Tavern, Roberts said: "Why would you pay £50million for a youngster who has had one season in the Premier League when you can go and get Skriniar for £45million?

"Skriniar has played in the top league in Italy and Europe. He's in the Slovakia team as well. I don't get going for White over Skriniar."