According to Football Insider, Tottenham are interested in signing Harry Souttar from Stoke City.

The Lowdown: Spurs need defensive reinforcements

Tottenham's erratic form this season can certainly be attributed to trouble in the heart of defence, with no one really putting themselves forward as the clear candidate to become Cristian Romero's long-term partner.

They kept three clean sheets in each of their first three matches, including in a 1-0 victory over Manchester City, but they then shipped three goals in each of their next three matches, and have now already conceded 13 times in their opening nine Premier League game (Sky Sports).

The Latest: Spurs eye Souttar

As per this latest report, Spurs are interested in signing Souttar, while Aston Villa and Everton are also in the race.

An N17 source told the outlet Nuno Espirito Santo is a big fan of the player and wanted to sign him for his former club Wolves.

The manager signed five players in the summer and it appears the club are planning to have him in charge during the next transfer window if he is already picking out more targets.

The Verdict: Really the right option?

Souttar has certainly shown promise with the Potters. He has played in 12 of the club's 14 Championship's matches so far this campaign (Transfermarkt), with Stoke conceding less than all but six other sides in the division (BBC). Current Stoke boss Michael O'Neill even called him a "top level" player earlier this year (via socceroos.com).

However, it is worth questioning whether this is the kind of target Tottenham should be pursuing. They are trying to compete at the highest level, and the last Championship defender they signed, Joe Rodon, has made just one appearance in the league this term. If they are serious about challenging the best of the best, they must look so sign more proven performers than the 6 foot 6 Souttar.

In other news, this man has been blamed for Harry Kane's struggles.