Tottenham Hotspur 'add Evan Ndicka to defensive shortlist'

The 22-year-old has emerged as one of Europe's most promising defenders since signing for Frankfurt in a £4.95m deal from Auxerre in 2018 and became European champion with Die Adler last term.

Ndicka came up with four goals and four assists in 32 Bundesliga appearances for Frankfurt, while he started 10 Europa League matches up to and including the final win against Rangers.

However, the France Under-21 international is about to enter the final 12 months of his contract with Die Adler, who could therefore come under pressure to sell him in the current window.

Manchester United are said to be keeping tabs on Ndicka's future, with the centre-back's expiring deal leading to the possibility of a cut-price deal as Frankfurt try to avoid losing him on a free in 2023.

Now, French outlet Foot Mercato claims that Tottenham are at the head of the queue for the 6ft 3in defender's signature, but Antonio Conte's side are not alone in the transfer chase.

The report adds that Marseille are also hoping to sign Ndicka this summer, with Jorge Sampaoli keen to fill the void left by William Saliba's return to parent club Arsenal.

Marseille chiefs made no secret of their desire to sign Saliba permanently, but the 21-year-old has already confirmed that he wants to stay and make a name for himself with the Gunners.

However, Tottenham hold the advantage over Marseille in the race for Ndicka, as Les Olympiens were hit with a provisional two-window transfer ban in January over their deal for Pape Gueye, who had allegedly agreed to join Watford before heading for France.

The case is currently in the hands of the Court of Arbitration for Sport, and Marseille are supposedly confident that they will be allowed to sign players this summer, but an early Tottenham deal would scupper their hopes.

The North London club have wasted no time in getting down to business this summer having already welcomed Ivan Perisic, Fraser Forster and Yves Bissouma to the club.

A £20m deal is also reported to have been agreed with Middlesbrough for the transfer of Djed Spence, but the centre-back area remains a priority for Conte and Fabio Paratici.

The agent of Alessandro Bastoni has affirmed that the 23-year-old will stay at Inter Milan, while his Nerazzurri teammate Milan Skriniar is also on the radar of Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain.

Torino's Bremer and Villarreal's Pau Torres have also been mentioned as possible targets for Tottenham, who could also make an addition or two in the final third in the coming weeks.

Ajax attacker Antony has reportedly emerged as a candidate to move to North London, and Spurs are believed to be willing to include Steven Bergwijn as part of a deal for the Brazilian.