Tottenham are considering alternatives to top target Jules Kounde as the club seek to strengthen at centre-back this summer.

The north London side are keen to sign at least one new central defender this summer and have been assessing a host of options, with Sevilla centre-back Kounde emerging as the club’s leading target.

The France international is one of the most highly-rated young defenders in European football at present and Sevilla are understood to be open to his sale in the current window as the Spanish side look to balance the books amid the financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

Kounde has a release clause of €80m in his contract and was subject of interest from Manchester City last summer, though The Athletic are reporting that Sevilla would consider his sale for less than that figure this summer.

However, Spurs‘ lack of Champions League football is likely to impact their hopes of persuading the 22-year-old to the Premier League and the club are now considering alternatives as they bid to bolster their backline.

Inter Milan’s Milan Skriniar has been a long-term target for Spurs and talks were held over a deal last summer, whilst the Italian side’s concerning finances make a deal more feasible this time around.

Jannick Vestergaard, who has less than a year remaining on his contract at Southampton, is another potential option and Spurs have also been linked with fellow Denmark international Joachim Andersen, who spent last season on loan at Fulham.

Spurs are close to finalising a £15m deal for Bologna’s Takehiro Tomiyasu, with the Japanese international comfortable at both centre-back and full-back.

Elsewhere, Nuno Espirito Santo is understood to be keen on signing a new centre-forward with Danny Ings having emerged as the club’s leading target, whilst midfield additions are also wanted if further funds can be raised through player sales.

Serge Aurier, Moussa Sissoko, Harry Winks and Erik Lamela are amongst the senior players reportedly available for transfer this summer.

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