Tottenham Hotspur boss Antonio Conte would greatly improve his defence if he succeeds in welcoming Sven Botman, Alessandro Bastoni or Josko Gvardiol to north London in the summer, according to journalist Pete O'Rourke.
Having secured the services of Juventus duo Dejan Kulusevski and Rodrigo Bentancur hours before the January deadline, Conte is understood to be keen on bolstering his backline when the transfer window reopens in July.
What's the latest news involving Spurs' search for new defenders?
According to the Telegraph, Lille's Botman, Bastoni of Inter Milan and RB Leipzig's Gvardiol have been added to a three-man shortlist of defensive targets compiled by Conte ahead of the summer.
The report suggests Conte, who was appointed as Spurs' head coach in November, is desperate to add reinforcements to his rearguard options after failing to do so last month.
Botman was the subject of multiple bids from Newcastle United and has recently told Ziggo Sport, via The Sun, the Magpies have a ‘very nice project’.
In an interview with Le Parisien, via Get French Football News, Lille president Olivier Letang has admitted he will hold discussions over the £27million-rated central defender's future in the summer.
Transfermarkt valuations would suggest Bastoni would be an even more costly option as he is valued at £54million, but he has enjoyed success under Conte before.
The Italian duo won the Serie A title together last season, only for Conte to leave the San Siro a matter of days later.
Gvardiol, who is valued at £22.5million by Transfermarkt, has already won nine caps for Croatia despite being just 20.
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What has Pete O'Rourke said about the trio?
O'Rourke believes managing to obtain any of Botman, Bastoni or Gvardiol - who have featured in the Champions League this season - would benefit Spurs defensively ahead of next season.
The reporter is not convinced by the north Londoners' current options, which Conte will be forced to contend with for the remainder of the campaign.
O'Rourke told GIVEMESPORT: "If they could get one of those three, I think it would be a big improvement on what Spurs have got already."
What are Spurs' current options at the back?
Cristian Romero is due to remain at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium after Conte confirmed the central defender's loan move from Serie A side Atalanta will be made permanent for £42.5million at the end of the season.
That will result in the Argentinian becoming the second most expensive acquisition in the club's history, so it is extremely likely he will remain in Spurs' back three even if Conte succeeds in the transfer market.
Davinson Sanchez, Joe Rodon, Eric Dier and Japhet Tanganga are Spurs’ other options at the heart of their defence.
However, left-back Ben Davies has also shown his versatility by regularly being deployed in the back three since Conte's unveiling in north London.