According to Spanish news outlet IDEAL (via Sport Witness), Tottenham Hotspur are expected to lodge a bid to sign Granada defender Domingos Duarte as contact is initiated with the player.

The Lowdown: Spurs in defensive overhaul?

So far, Spurs managing director Fabio Paratici has overseen the arrivals of Pierluigi Gollini, Bryan Gil and Cristian Romero in north London but only the latter man comes as a much-needed defensive addition.

Reports indicate that the Lilywhites wish to add another defender and provide manager Nuno Espirito Santo with some strength in depth.

The likes of Nikola Milenkovic (now staying at Fiorentina) and Takehiro Tomiyasu have been heavily linked to Spurs with news now emerging of another target.

The Latest: Spurs expected to make Duarte bid...

As per IDEAL, Tottenham are now expected to make an initial offer of around €10 million (£8.5m) for the 26-year-old and they have even made contact to sound out the player.

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Nuno is said to be personally behind this possible move as he knows Duarte well and is reportedly looking for alternative defensive signings so he can use a back three formation.

However, Spurs' expected opening offer will only scratch the surface of his alleged €30m (£25.7m) release clause and Granada are likely to stick to that fee.

The Verdict: Move on...

Starting 27 games for the La Liga side last season, Duarte didn't exactly blow on-lookers away with his numbers.

While a key player for Granada according to this report, averaging the third-most clearances per 90 out of their entire squad over 2020/2021, he doesn't do much better than that.

Almost every Spurs defender managed a higher rate of successful tackles and aerial duels won last season with the 6 foot 4 powerhouse hardly being a standout statistically (WhoScored).

If Paratici has to pay a £25.7m clause, we believe he could aim slightly higher than Duarte as he seeks to bolster Nuno's squad.

In other news: 'Getting closer'...Spurs now advancing in talks to sign 'machine of a player', find out more here.