Speaking to GiveMeSport, journalist Dean Jones of Eurosport and author of their transfer notebook has made a promising claim involving Antonio Rudiger and Tottenham Hotspur.

The Lowdown: Spurs weigh moves...

As January fast approaches, all eyes will be on whether new Lilywhites boss Antonio Conte gets the sufficient backing needed to turn his side into a Premier League and European force again.

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Over two years since Mauricio Pochettino guided them to a Champions League final, the first in Spurs' history, it's safe to say they haven't reached those heights since.

Three new managers have come in off the back of the Argentine, with Jose Mourinho and Nuno Espirito Santo both given their marching orders before Conte's highly-anticipated arrival.

He has been linked with adding a plethora of Serie A stars to his new Tottenham roster and there has even been talk of a £150 million transfer kitty.

Speaking to GMS, a name Spurs could now 'really' target is Chelsea star Rudiger, with Jones sharing the latest.

The Latest: Spurs could 'really' pull out the stops...

The Eurosport reporter and transfer 'insider' claims Tottenham may 'really' pull out the stops to sign him for Conte as he makes a promising claim.

"I think Tottenham are willing to really push the boat out to get Rudiger," he said.

"I think the change in manager would have helped them turn his head a little bit.

"But Rudiger knows he's basically got a pick of the teams when it comes to when his contract's up."

The Verdict: Get it done...

A colossal Champions League-winning centre-half with nearly half a century of caps for Germany, we believe signing the 28-year-old on a free deal is an absolute no brainer.

Currently in his prime, Rudiger has enjoyed a resurgence under Thomas Tuchel and became an undroppable figure in Chelsea's run to the European Cup final last season.

He's continued to be a mainstay for Tuchel this campaign, having started ten from 11 of the Blues' top flight matches so far with only goalkeeper Edouard Mendy equalling that number (WhoScored).

A fixture in Chelsea's table-topping side, the defender has attracted plenty of praise for his imperious form over 2021. Rio Ferdinand, speaking to FIVE (via The Metro), lavished praise on Rudiger back in late August - calling him 'unbelievable' and 'like an animal'.

The former Man United defender also contested that Chelsea's colossus has been the 'best defender in the Premier League' since Tuchel's arrival at Stamford Bridge.

If Spurs can really pull out the stops to secure him on a free transfer ahead of next summer, it's safe to say managing director Fabio Paratici will have orchestrated a masterstroke.

In other news: Conte set for injury boost as Sky Sports reporter breaks update on Twitter, find out more here.