Report: Tottenham in talks with Villarreal over transfer of defender Mateo Musacchio

Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino has reportedly fixed his attention on Spanish side Villarreal as he continues to strengthen his squad ahead of the new season.

According to Sky Sports, Spurs are in talks with Villarreal over a potential deal for Argentine center-back Mateo Musacchio, who is reportedly valued by his current club at £17 million. 

Musacchio, 23, is coming off a season in which he made 32 league appearances, helping the club to a sixth-place finish in La Liga.

Able to cover at full-back as well, Musacchio would offer Pochettino an able replacement should he lose Jan Vertonghen, who himself has been linked with a move since the transfer window opened. Musacchio would become the third defender to join Tottenham this summer, joining Ben Davies and Eric Dier.

Speaking on the matter, Villarreal manager Marcelino hinted that the Argentine could indeed be on his way to England.

"It's a situation with three parties: the player, the buyer and the club in the middle. 

"As I have said many times, if the club sell an important player it's because the right conditions to do so have been met. It won't be easy to replace him but the solution, for better or worse, will be found soon."