Big boost: Paratici can now seal "extraordinary" Spurs signing, Conte badly needs him - opinion

Tottenham Hotspur could have a clear run at Pau Torres during this summer’s transfer window…

Spurs are one of several teams thought to be interested in the Villarreal centre-back, with the Daily Mail reporting last month that the north Londoners were exploring a part-exchange involving loan star Giovani Lo Celso.

They also claimed that Premier League rivals Chelsea were also keen but since then, the Blues have signed Kalidou Koulibaly from Napoli and appear to be closing in on a swoop for Jules Kounde, surely putting them out of the race to sign the Spaniard.

Serie A giants Juventus are another team that have been heavily mooted with Torres but they have made a move for Torino colossus Gleison Bremer in a bid to replace Matthijs de Ligt instead.

Manchester United are the third main contenders for the 25-year-old’s signature but having also brought in a centre-back in the shape of Lisandro Martinez, they too could also be out of the running, thus opening the door for Spurs to strike.

The door has seemingly opened for the Lilywhites to make their move as it’s believed that Antonio Conte is still after another central defensive signing.

Torres would be quite the coup indeed as he has proven his credentials over the last few seasons, performing reliably in LaLiga, as well as the Champions League and Europa League.

He was part of the Yellow Submarine squad which clinched the latter trophy in 2021 and last season he helped Unai Emery’s side to the semi-finals of UEFA’s premier club competition.

The 6 foot 3 titan has emerged as one of Europe’s best ball-playing defenders – as per FBRef, he ranks within the top 1% for dribbles completed (0.80), and the top 10% for both progressive passes (4.39) and progressive carries (4.71)