Tottenham are now desperate to sign the defensive ‘machine’, many expect him to join Newcastle

Tottenham Hotspur are now said to be ‘desperate’ to beat Newcastle United in the race to sign Lille defender Sven Botman this summer.

That’s according to the Daily Starwho thinks a new left-winger is Tottenham’s ‘absolute priority’.

Tottenham want to placate manager Antonio Conte amid doubts over his long-term future in North London.

Conte wants new signings this summer to know that Tottenham are serious, with Botman now thought to be a key target.

It is reported that most people around the game think Botman will go to Newcastle this summer, but Tottenham are not just avoiding it.

Botman was Newcastle’s top target in January and it is expected that the Warblers will try again this summer.

However, we can now expect Tottenham to buy Botman to give Conte what he wants.

Conte used a three-man defense during his time at Tottenham, switching Ben Davies to play as a left-back to bring balance to the Spurs backline.

However, Tottenham don’t really have other options in that particular role, and that’s why a new signing there is paramount this summer.

Botman is naturally left-footed, although whether he is quick enough to play as a wide central defender in a three-man defence is up for debate.

The 22-year-old Dutchman has a huge presence at 6ft 5in but playing wide in the back three means being pulled out to the flanks and isolated from attackers.

Botman could have played better at three-back with more nimble players around him, but that’s not Tottenham’s role.

Branded as a ‘machine’ by Jose Fonte, Botman has a huge future ahead of him and Tottenham appear poised to take on Newcastle for his signature.

In other news, ‘Very close’: West Ham will face the £30m star they nearly signed with Sevilla