According to a report by reliable Tottenham Hotspur correspondent Alasdair Gold, Brighton defender Lewis Dunk has admirers behind the scenes at Spurs - with the Lilywhites eyeing up possible defensive options ahead of the 2021/2022 season. 

Dunk, who has been a mainstay under Seagulls boss Graham Potter this campaign, starting 26 league matches, is apparently on the a list of targets for Spurs as Gold shares news.

Tottenham chiefs eyeing Dunk

Indeed, it is believed that the 29-year-old has admirers within the north London club, coming as Tottenham and the board sound out defensive options.

As Gold explains, Tottenham and chairman Daniel Levy are eager to sign a real leader at the back - with Brighton defender Dunk now emerging as a target.

The 6 foot 3 titan has averaged 3.1 clearances per 90 in the league this season and stands out as a composed head on mature shoulders with his 89% pass accuracy out from the back (WhoScored).

While Dunk doesn't fit the usual age profile of Tottenham targets, Gold explains that his consistent performances in the league have marked him out - not to mention the fact he is homegrown.

Tottenham's apparent biggest roadblock is his potential price tag considering he signed a new five-year deal for Brighton last summer - but Transfermarkt currently rate him at around £22.5 million.

Transfer Tavern take

Lauded as a 'genius' by former Spurs player and ex-Premier League boss Gus Poyet on Sky Sports (via football daily), there certainly are aspects of Dunk's game to admire, but it remains to be seen whether the Lilywhites shore up this interest with a concrete move.

In other news: Tottenham could be without this 'phenomenal' star for Newcastle, find out more here.