According to a report by The Telegraph, Tottenham Hotspur -and by extension Daniel Levy - have been eyeing Lille defender Sven Botman over recent months as a possible candidate to reinforce the Lilywhites backline, with manager Jose Mourinho looking likely to prioritise a centre-half signing if he stays for next season.

Tottenham eyeing Botman

Botman - who has been a mainstay for Ligue 1 side Lille over the current campaign, starting 29 matches in the French top flight alone - is reportedly at the centre of Spurs' interest according to Telegraph journalist Matt Law.

The reporter claims that Botman, alongside Southampton defender Jannik Vestergaard, have been monitored by Spurs over recent months, with centre-back potentially a priority position.

Spurs have long been linked with a new defensive signing, and the Evening Standard recently reported that Mourinho is desperate for his own transformative acquisition in the mould of Man City colossus Ruben Dias or Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk.

Transfer Tavern take

Given his plaudits, despite still being just 21 years old, it's clear to see why Spurs have been monitoring the 1.95m (6 foot 4) prodigy.

Lille manager Christophe Galtier has already hailed Botman as a 'leader' due to his performances, with the Dutchman possessing physical traits similar to that of Van Dijk (Ligue 1).

Furthermore, respected scout and former AS Monaco sporting director Tor Kristian-Karlsen claimed to ESPN that the youngster could be the ideal heir to former Spurs favourite Jan Vertonghen.

Time will tell whether Levy and Tottenham manage a deal, but their interest seems entirely justified.

In other news: Alasdair Gold dropped a claim on this 'top class' barely-seen talent, find out more here.