Tottenham close in on Italian defender

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly plotting a summer swoop for Cagliari centre-back Davide Astori, according to Daily Star.

The 27-year-old defender has established himself as one of Serie A’s best enforcers. Astori is in a first-team regular since he joined his current club from AC Milan in 2008.

The Spurs have been linked with the highly-rated Italy international on a number of times in the past few months, but now it is thought that Astori has been one of their top defensive summer targets.

Astori could replace the current star Jan Vertonghen, who is ready to move away from White Hart Lane at the end of the season in search of Champions League football.

With 33 appearances for Cagliari this season, Astori helps his club to clear of relegation and is valued at around £8m.