Tottenham monitor Juventus defender Pierre Kalulu ahead of summer window

Tottenham Hotspur have sent a club official to Italy to scout Juventus defender Pierre Kalulu ahead of the summer transfer window, according to reports.

Manager Roberto De Zerbi has reportedly identified the versatile Frenchman as a key target to strengthen his backline.

A Spurs representative watched the 25-year-old in action during the Turin club’s 2-0 defeat to Fiorentina in Serie A on Sunday.

Manchester United have also previously made contact regarding the three-cap international, who can operate comfortably at both centre-back and right-back.

Juventus prepare lucrative extension

Despite heavy interest from the Premier League, prizing the defender away from Italy could prove exceptionally difficult for the north Londoners.

Juventus are determined to retain their star and have already opened negotiations over a contract extension running until 2030.

The proposed deal would see his wages increase significantly, jumping from €2.4m to approximately €4m per year.

Spurs focus on Premier League survival

Any major summer arrivals will heavily depend on Tottenham securing their top-flight status for next season.

De Zerbi’s side are currently embroiled in a tense relegation battle with London rivals West Ham United.

Spurs need just one point from their final two fixtures against Chelsea and Everton to guarantee survival, aided by their vastly superior goal difference.

Defensive reshuffle looms

The pursuit of a new centre-back comes amid uncertainty surrounding the future of current club captain Cristian Romero.

The Argentine World Cup winner could depart the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this summer regardless of whether the club avoids the drop.

However, in a boost for the relegation-threatened side, fellow defender Micky van de Ven is understood to be highly receptive to signing a new long-term contract.