Who is Juan Foyth, the Argentinian teenager being linked with Tottenham?

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Tottenham Hotspur are set to kick off their summer spending spree with a £10 million move for Argentina Under-20s centre-back Juan Foyth. That is according to the Mirror, who say that Mauricio Pochettino is interested in bringing the Estudiantes star to White Hart Lane.

Foyth, whose agent is Argentina legend Juan Sebastian Veron, impressed at the recent Under-20s World Cup – won by England – and is eyeing up a move to the Premier League amid interest from a host of clubs across Europe.

Foyth is largely unknown in Europe and only broke into his club side earlier this year. He has since become a mainstay of his country’s under-20 side, with 12 appearances.

In The Mirror article, Foyth is quoted as saying: “I would like to play in Europe, and if something comes up that convinces me and the club I will go. My agent never told me that an offer had arrived from Zenit. I would not go to Russia right now. If I do go it is not because I want to, but rather to help the club out economically.”

Pochettino, who guided his team to runners-up spot in the Premier League last season, is keen to strengthen across all areas of the squad, with central defence a priority. Foyth would be unlikely to dislodge Toby Alderweireld, Juan Vertonghen or Eric Dier from the starting XI, but he is seen as one for the future who can develop into a top-class centre-back.

That Pochettino seems willing to part with a significant amount of money for his countryman shows how highly the 19-year-old is rated.

Spurs enjoyed a memorable 2016/17 campaign but know they must add quality to the squad, with the likes of Manchester United and Manchester City already signalling their intentions to challenge for major honours next season with huge transfers.

Like most Premier League managers, Pochettino has experimented with three at the back and needs reinforcements if that is to become his preferred formation. Foyth would be a surprise addition to the ranks, but Pochettino is renowned for his ability to mould talented youngsters.