Tottenham Hotspur will make signing a defender a top priority this summer.

Jan Vertonghen looks set to end his lengthy stay in North London with speculation suggesting that he's in talks with Roma over a summer move.

While the defender has agreed to extend his stay to the end of the season, his future beyond that is very much in doubt.

That means that for Spurs, they are likely to be looking for a suitable replacement.

While centre-backs are top of the list, it seems that Tottenham Hotspur are looking to strengthen the entire back line.

One man who has been linked is Timothy Castagne.

According to the Evening Standard, the full-back has his heart set on a summer move to Spurs.

Valued at £14.4m by Transfermarkt, the 24-year-old is set to leave Atalanta this summer and has been linked with a move to the North London side or Paris Saint-Germain.

While linking up with Jose Mourinho's side is his preference, it seems that he could have once been tempted by a move to the red half of North London.

The defender, however, claims that that's no longer the case.

As quoted by the Evening Standard, he said: “I think the time has come to move on, but I won’t be disappointed if I stay (with Atalanta).

“I’m very proud of this. It’s proof that hard work pays off. I hope it’s more than just simple interest from them (Tottenham).”

Speaking of his childhood support of Arsenal, Castagne said: "I was especially a fan when Thierry Henry played for them. Now I’m not so much.

“You have to be honest with yourself. When a team like PSG or Tottenham come knocking on your door, you can’t say ‘no’.”

GIVEMESPORT'S Phil Spencer says...

This could be a shrewd move for Spurs.

Timothy Castagne has proven himself as one of Europe's top full-backs, and so it's only right that he's being linked with some of the top clubs around Europe.

Despite previously being an Arsenal fan, Tottenham would be getting a cracking player if this one was to come off.

What it would mean for Serge Aurier remains to be seen, but the defender's place in the side is far from confirmed for next term.