Report: Amid Botman breakthrough, Newcastle also 'leading the way' for defensive Tottenham target

By Giuseppe Labellarte

Newcastle United are reportedly leading the way for Mario Hermoso, a player said to also be on Tottenham Hotspur’s radar.

Both the Magpies and Spurs are looking to bolster their defensive ranks this summer.

Back in April, the Daily Mail reported that Tottenham were eyeing Hermoso, who plays for Atletico Madrid and Spain.

They claimed Antonio Conte is specifically looking for a left-footed central defender.

But now, Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo – via Sport Witness – has claimed that Newcastle have ‘knocked on his door’.

The Magpies are apparently ‘leading the way’ in terms of his suitors.

Hermoso has made 95 appearances for Atletico since joining from Espanyol in 2019.

He finished the 2021-22 campaign as the fourth choice centre-back under Diego Simeone and ‘hardly featured at all’.

This is unlikely to change next term, so Los Colchoneros have reportedly ‘put him on the market’.

Atletico apparently want €25m (£21.5m) for Hermoso.

Tottenham may still be in with a chance – TBR View

Hermoso would be a good shout for both Newcastle and Spurs.

He’s a very talented player with plenty of top-level experience and a La Liga title to his name.

That said, Newcastle have apparently just made a breakthrough with regards to Sven Botman, another left-footed central defender.

So even if the Magpies reportedly lead the way for Hermoso, they may just end up signing their preferred defensive target.

And that could potentially leave Tottenham free to swoop for Hermoso if they still want him.