Tottenham are facing a race against time in their reported pursuit of Hull City defender Harry Maguire, according to the Sun.
The newspaper claim that Premier League rivals Leicester City have opened talks with Hull over a potential deal for the defender this summer, and have tabled a £17million bid.
It is also claimed that the Foxes are preparing to back up their offer with a five-year contract for the 24-year-old at the King Power Stadium, as they look to steal a march on their rivals.
Tottenham remain keen on a deal for Maguire this summer, following Hull’s relegation to the Championship, but the news that Leicester have now stepped up their interest with a formal bid could prove a significant blow to their ambitions.
The north London club were the bookies’ favourites to win the race for his signature last month, with Ladbrokes pricing Tottenham at 13/8 to complete a deal, while odds weren’t offered for Leicester.
However, the Sun report also states that Maguire may prefer a move to Leicester over Tottenham because he will be offered more regular first-team opportunities.
Premier League new boys Newcastle United are also credited with an interest, but like Tottenham, have yet to submit any formal approach.
Maguire has one year left to run on his current deal with Hull, but wants to quit the club at the earliest possibility following their drop to the second-tier.
The English centre-back made 36 appearances in all competitions for Hull last season, scoring three goals.