Spurs submit ‘request’ to lure 27-year-old defender

Tottenham Hotspur have made an approach about the possible signing of Rafael Toloi from Atlanta this summer, based on reports.

The 27-year-old has been plying his trade in the Serie A for three years now, after leaving Sao Paulo in 2015.

Toloi, who is valued at £9.7million, is a former member of the Brazilian national youth team and he has made a name for himself as a solid defender during his time in the Italian top-flight.

Based on a report by Corriere Della Sera, Tottenham have made a ‘request’ to Atalanta for the signing of Toloi.

Mauricio Pochettino’s side are claimed to have been rivalled by Marseille of France in their interest, although the report states that such requests were ‘blocked’.

Tottenham are said to be on the lookout for a new centre-back this summer, with Toby Alderweireld likely to leave north London.