Tottenham Hotspur boss Antonio Conte could be set to add defensive reinforcements to his squad as Stefan de Vrij and Pau Torres are 'in pole position' to head to Hotspur Way, according to Daily Star journalist Paul Brown.

Conte has already bolstered his options between the sticks, at wing-back and in midfield by signing Fraser Forster, Ivan Perisic and Yves Bissouma this summer, but he is keen to welcome fresh faces to his backline.

GiveMeSport Transfer Verdict

What's the latest news involving de Vrij and Torres?

According to Football Insider, Tottenham are one of three Premier League clubs looking to sign Inter Milan centre-half de Vrij.

The report suggests Aston Villa and Newcastle United have also shown an interest and, despite being valued at £25.2million by Transfermarkt, the 30-year-old Dutchman's current employers are willing to sanction his exit for £15million.

Meanwhile, Sky Sports Italia - via The Sun - have revealed Spurs are stepping up their pursuit of Villarreal defender Torres and are willing to offer Giovani Lo Celso as part of a swap deal.

Torres, 25, has been wanted at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for a prolonged period of time, with the north Londoners' interest in the £45million-rated star even predating Conte's reign.

Spurs went into the summer transfer window with the addition of a left-sided centre-back being among Conte's top priorities.

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What has Paul Brown said about the duo?

Alessandro Bastoni, Josko Gvardiol, Sven Botman and Nico Schlotterbeck have also been on Tottenham's radar as they look for reinforcements.

But Brown believes de Vrij and Torres are at the front of the queue as the 2022/23 campaign edges closer.

The journalist told GIVEMESPORT: "In terms of defenders, there is still de Vrij at Inter - who Conte is a big fan of - and also Pau Torres, I think, is someone they've liked for a long time.

"Those two would look to be in pole position, but there's plenty of names and I think a few more might crop up in the next few weeks."

How did de Vrij and Torres perform last season?

Although Inter are open to de Vrij departing the San Siro, he was still a key member of their squad during the 2021/22 campaign and made 41 appearances.

Meanwhile, Torres played every minute of Villarreal's run to the Champions League semi-finals and, despite being at the heart of the Spanish outfit's backline, contributed six goals in 47 outings.

De Vrij averaged 1.8 clearances and 1.2 tackles per 90 minutes last term, while Torres showed he was comfortable with the ball at his feet by registering a 87.4 pass success percentage.