Tottenham have made a surprise move for Manchester City’s out-of-favour centre-half John Stones, reports the Mail.
Spurs enquired about taking Stones on loan from City with a view to signing the central defender on a permanent deal for £20m.
But it is believed the England international wants to stay at the Etihad until told he is surplus to requirements.
Jose Mourinho has been busy over the summer, bringing in full-backs Sergio Reguilon from Real Madrid and Matt Doherty from Wolves and goalkeeper Joe Hart, but would like to further bolster his back line.
Spurs have also brought in midfielder Pierre-Emile Hjojberg from Southampton, winger Gareth Bale, also from Real, and striker Carlos Vinicius from Benfica.
Stones was a valued member of City’s title-winning side of 2017/18 after signing from Everton for £47.5m.
But injuries and inconsistent form have seen him plunge down the pecking order at City, with Guardiola opting to switch midfielder Fernandinho into their injury-hit central defence last season rather than employ Stones.
He has made just one appearance for Pep Guardiola’s side this season – their league opener at Wolves.
And the 26-year-old’s future at City looked increasingly slim after the summer arrivals of centre-backs Nathan Ake and £65m signing Ruben Dias.
Meanwhile, Antonio Rudiger is discussing a loan move to AC Milan.
Tottenham have expressed an interest in the defender, who is expected to leave Chelsea ahead of today’s transfer deadline.
Rudiger, whose Chelsea contract runs until 2022, is reportedly discussing a potential season-long loan to Milan.
Paris St-Germain have also been linked with the Germany international, who has recently been left out of the Chelsea side by Blues boss Frank Lampard.