According to a report by The Mirror, Aston Villa are in talks over a new deal for alleged Tottenham Hotspur target Ezri Konsa, with the Lilywhites dealt a potential blow as they reportedly contemplate a summer swoop for the defender.

Indeed, Spurs have recently been linked with the in-form 23-year-old starlet, as reliable journalist David Ornstein of The Athletic first broke the news that Tottenham and Liverpool are eyeing Konsa as one of their summer options to bolster an arguably short backline.

Tottenham dealt potential Konsa blow

Centre-back was the only outfield position chairman Daniel Levy didn't manage to strengthen last summer or in January, with manager Jose Mourinho having to cope with regulars Eric Dier, Davinson Sanchez and Toby Alderweireld over a long season.

Tottenham did snap up Joe Rodon last summer, but he is reportedly considered one for the future and hasn't seen much in the way of Premier League match action, starting just four games (WhoScored).

As a result, Spurs are allegedly in the market for a centre-half, with Ornstein recently claiming that Konsa is on their radar. However, The Mirror have now reported a development which could potentially hamper a pursuit for Tottenham, with Villa apparently in talks over a new and improved deal to fend off the likes of the north Londoners and Liverpool.

Villa manager Dean Smith is apparently determined to keep hold of the centre-back amid his links to Spurs, and this report claims that a new contract is on the table for him.

Transfer Tavern take

In a potential blow for Tottenham, Konsa putting pen to paper on a new long term deal may make him a trickier transfer option for Levy and Mourinho come the summer, with Ornstein describing him as an 'unsung hero' for Villa.

Aston Villa podcaster Chris Dolan, speaking to The Villa View Podcast (via This is Futbol) earlier this season, described the 23-year-old as 'phenomenal' and 'outstanding', but only time will tell whether he does indeed sign a new deal.

He has been a regular under Dean Smith throughout 2020/21, starting 23 Premier League games and is now on England manager Gareth Southgate's radar as a result of his impressive performances.

Judging by his accolades over recent months, Spurs may be hoping he doesn't put pen to paper on a new deal at Villa Park.

In other news: Tottenham are readying next step for this ace, find out more here.