Tottenham are continuing to track Bournemouth centre-back Illia Zabarnyi as part of their bid to land defensive reinforcements for Ange Postecoglou.

Spurs previously tried to strike a deal with Dynamo Kyiv for the 21-year-old in 2022 before he eventually sealed his £20million move to the Vitality Stadium in January. Zabarnyi has been an integral figure for the Cherries this season and has taken his game to the next level during their recent resurgence under Andoni Iraola.

Crucially, he is a name that remains prevalent throughout the data algorithms Tottenham’s recruitment staff – led by newly-appointed technical director Johan Lange – have been utilising during extensive planning for next month’s market.

The Ukraine international, who helped nullify Harry Kane during September’s 1-1 draw with England in Wroclaw, boasts a plethora of impressive numbers where passes, blocks and clearances are concerned, though that is not news to Tottenham, who have been courting the player for the best part of two years.

Fabio Paratici, who is still working for the club on a consultancy basis, is a huge admirer of the player and Spurs have now seen first-hand evidence that Zabarnyi has the quality to flourish in the Premier League. Bournemouth have no interest in a sale, particularly so soon after bringing him to the club but Zabarnyi represents a target with promising potential at realistic value.

Whether a January swoop materialises is another question altogether as Tottenham do have several other names on their shortlist including Atalanta’s Giorgio Scalvini and Benfica’s Morato. Moves for Zabaryni’s Cherries’ team-mate Lloyd Kelly, who is out of contract next summer and is showing no interest in the prospect of signing a new deal, and Fulham’s Tosin Adarabioyo could also be revisited while Marc Guehi is thought to be out of Tottenham’s price range.