Spurs in competition with Roma to sign Southampton defender Vestergaard

Tottenham face competition in their bid to sign Southampton defender Jannik Vestergaard from Italian side Roma this summer, reports in Italy claim.

The imposing Dane is high on Tottenham's list of defensive targets as the north London club look to strengthen their back line after another frustrating campaign.

Vestergaard, who arrived at Southampton from Borussia Monchengladbach for around £18million in 2018, has been a key player for Ralph Hasenhuttl's side this season.

The Saints were seventh in the Premier League before he picked up a knee injury in December but slipped down the table in his absence. He also missed the 9-0 defeat by Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Vestergaard has made 26 appearances in all competitions this season and has formed a solid partnership with Jan Bednarek at the heart of the Southampton defence.

He played 90 minutes in the 2-1 Premier League defeat by Spurs on Wednesday night, as well as the FA Cup semi-final loss to Leicester at Wembley last week.

But, according to Italian outlet Tuttomercatoweb, Roma are also considering a move for the 28-year-old.

It is claimed the Italians want an 'experienced and quality' player for their defence next season and Roma director Tiago Pinto is planning talks with Vestergaard's entourage next week.

They even go on to claim that Vestergaard is also being considered for a transfer by Juventus, who are looking to overhaul their squad after another disappointing campaign.

Spurs were also said to be keen on Inter Milan's Milan Skriniar but failed to land the defender in the January window.

It remains to be seen how the sacking of Jose Mourinho will affect the club's transfer plans, given Ryan Mason has been given the job until the end of the season.

Spurs are currently in the process of hiring a new manager, but they are not expected to make an appointment until the end of the season.

Maurizio Sarri, Julian Nagelsmann and Marcelino are thought to be the leading contenders while Hasenhuttl has been linked after his impressive work with the Saints.