Tottenham Hotspur will be playing European football next season.

It was in doubt for quite some time, given their poor form under Mauricio Pochettino at the start of the campaign.

But Jose Mourinho managed to right the ship, ultimately guiding Spurs to a sixth-placed finish.

Their draw with Crystal Palace on the final day of the season ensured qualification for the Europa League, though they will not enter the competition at the group stages.

Instead, they face the qualifying rounds after Arsenal beat Chelsea in the FA Cup final.

Nevertheless, the squad needs reinforcements and refreshment as they look to improve on what has been a roundly disappointing campaign.

Spurs ultimately ended the season seven points behind Chelsea in fourth.

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And Sport Witness carries a report from Diario de Sevilla claiming that they have initiated contact with a potential defensive reinforcement.

Barcelona’s Emerson is said to be a target, as they look to strengthen the club’s defence.

The report states that Spurs have “probed” the Spanish club in order to gauge their willingness to sell the 21-year-old, who is spending two seasons on loan at Real Betis.

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He made 33 appearances for the club in 2019/20, scoring three goals and registering six assists, while he has also won one cap for Brazil.

Betis and Barca share the rights to the full-back, and the latter will have to compensate the former if they wish to sell him.

GIVEMESPORT’S Harry Sherlock says…

Spurs really do need to strengthen their defence.

Emerson can play on both sides of the backline but he is primarily a right-back.

Serge Aurier has been poor on that side of the defence for some time now and reports suggest that he could actually leave this summer, with AC Milan expressing an interest.

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Bringing in a new full-back is vital, then, if Mourinho is to maintain the balance of his squad.

Emerson is just 21 and is a dynamic, versatile presence, who would represent exceptional value for money.

He is valued at £22.5 million by Transfermarkt, and a deal at that sort of price, particularly if they manage to sell Aurier, represents excellent value.

This is a deal Spurs should try to do.