Tottenham Hotspur have emerged as frontrunners in the chase for Fiorentina star Nikola Milenkovic as reports from Italy share the latest on their interest.

The Lowdown: Spurs eye new defender?

The Evening Standard, sharing news after Spurs' signing of Djed Spence, claimed that a new central defender could still be signed before the end of this summer transfer window.

Ivan Perisic, Fraser Forster, Yves Bissouma, Richarlison, Spence and Clement Lenglet have come through the Premier League door at Hotspur Way, and despite the latter man's arrival on loan from Barcelona, another centre-back isn't ruled out.

Milenkovic has been linked in recent days with the Italian press now making a fairly promising claim.

The Latest: Tottenham out in front...

Indeed, according to local Florence outlet Corriere Fiorentino, there has been an update on the chase.

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They claim (via Sport Witness) that Spurs are 'out in front' for the 37-cap Serbia international alongside Serie A giants Juventus and manager Antonio Conte is 'thought to be a fan'.

It is also believed that the Lilywhites were expected to carry out in depth studies of the 24-year-old yesterday.

The Verdict: Make the move?

As per WhoScored, Milenkovic stands out as a colossal defensive presence for Fiorentina and we believe he could be a shrewd option.

The towering defender won more aerial duels and made a higher number of clearances per 90 than any of his teammates last term, proving himself indispensable and a real mainstay.

It's clear that former teammate Dusan Vlahovic's verdict, having called Milenkovic a 'sensational defender', still stands today as Spurs eye a move.