Conte could take Spurs to the next level by signing £27m-rated "leader", he'd love him - opinion

Tottenham Hotspur are aiming to bolster Antonio Conte’s backline this summer, according to reports…

The Telegraph’s Mike McGrath claims that Spurs have three central defenders on their radar ahead of next season, one of which being Lille colossus Sven Botman, who was heavily pursued by Newcastle United in January.

Conte’s former Inter Milan star Alessandro Bastoni and RB Leipzig gem Josko Gvardiol also feature on their shortlist.

It would be quite the statement to beat the Saudi-backed Magpies to Botman’s signature in the summer and he would be a signing that helps elevate the north Londoners onto the next level.

The Lilywhites have lost just once in the Premier League since the Italian’s arrival in November but still remain some way off the sides inside the top four, as the man himself referenced following their defeat to Chelsea last month.

“I have to think that in 14 days we lost three times to Chelsea. It means there’s a different level between us and them,” he told reporters (via football.london).

“To lose three games in 14 days means they are much stronger than you, as a team and as a squad.

“You have to accept this but only after a performance like tonight. Because we tried everything to get a big result here. But sometimes it’s not enough, especially when you play against this type of team. This club are on another level compared to us.”

Indeed, they are the Champions of Europe after all but they are the only side to have bested Spurs in the top-flight, so that’s an encouraging sign about the future under Conte.

The 52-year-old must be backed quite heavily in the summer if he’s to bridge the gap to the likes of Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpool.

A place in the top four isn’t out of reach either but it must