Musacchio is very much in the frame for the national side moving forward

Reports from Spain are suggesting that Tottenham have sounded out Villarreal over the potential transfer of 23-year-old, centre-back Mateo Musacchio. Spurs manager, and fellow Argentine, Mauricio Pochettino has watched Musacchio and views him as a replacement in the event of Jan Vertonghen moving to Barcelona.

Spanish newspaper, AS reported the story but it is unclear whether Spurs might make a move for Musacchio regardless of Vertonghen’s future or only in the event of his sale.

Musacchio at 23 and already with 139 appearances for Villarreal would be an excellent signing given the issues that Spurs had in defence and question marks remaining over some of their current options.

Musacchio has two appearances for Argentina back in 2011, when Sergio Batista selected only players under 25 for friendlies with Nigeria and Poland. Alejandro Sabella overlooked him but it is thought that going forward with the Copa America 2015 and the World Cup 2018, Musacchio could establish himself as one of Argentina’s main defenders.