It is going to be all about spending money wisely at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this summer as Fabio Paratici looks to strengthen Antonio Conte's squad. Spending big on players in the past hasn't always worked out for Tottenham, with Tanguy Ndombele and Giovani Lo Celso prime examples following their transfers in the summer of 2019.
Paratici did demonstrate in January that he has an eye for a good deal following the addition of Rodrigo Bentancur for a bargain price from Juventus. Dejan Kulusevski also falls into that category with Spurs having the option this summer to turn his loan agreement into a permanent one for £25million.
One way Spurs can get a good deal ahead of next term is by moving for players out of contract come 2023. A player's valuation does start to decrease once they enter the last two years of their deal, thus giving the Lilywhite the possibility of signing players for a reduced fee as clubs will be more inclined to sell now for a fee rather than losing them for nothing.
READ MORE: Fabio Paratici's job interviews and the Antonio Conte words that might make Tottenham fans happy
So which defenders with one year remaining on their contracts could Paratici and Tottenham move for over the coming months? football.london takes a look.
Stephane Singo
Singo has been linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium after impressing for Torino in his right wing-back role. A player both Conte and Paratici will know all about following their time in Italy, the youngster could possibly be the man to help address the position for good.
Making 36 appearances in all competitions for the Turin-based club this season, the 21-year-old has registered three goals and four assists so far. Also linked with a move to Arsenal, the Lilywhites may be able to strike a good deal for the player as his contract with Torino expires at the end of next campaign.
Stefan de Vrij
De Vrij could also be a defender Conte and Paratici consider ahead of next season as they look to strengthen the backline. The Dutchman may be a right-footed centre-back but he does operate on the left for Inter Milan.
The Spurs boss has made it clear he wants experienced players, and the ex-Lazio man could be the ideal man for him given he has worked with him in the past. Perhaps a cheaper option than others due to his age, Daniel Levy could possibly get a decent deal due to his contract status and if Inter are going to need to move players on again in order to balance the books.
Milan Skriniar
Staying with Inter Milan, Skriniar is a player Tottenham fans know all about after the club's failed attempt to sign him in the summer of 2020. Levy and Spurs just wouldn't meet Inter's big demands and in the end the centre-back remained at the San Siro.
Another player Conte knows following his time at Inter and one with a lot of experience in the game, the Slovakian would be a shrewd acquisition and help strengthen Spurs' backline. While a left-sided centre-back may be the priority right now, Skriniar would be an excellent addition if the north London club can sign him for a reduced price.
Evan Ndicka
Ndicka's performances for Eintracht Frankfurt in the Bundesliga have not gone unnoticed and the 22-year-old has been linked with a move to the Premier League as a result. Both Manchester United and Newcastle United have been mentioned in regards to a deal for the France U21 international, and clubs could be able to get the highly-rated defender on the cheap due to his contract status.
A left-sided centre-back capable of playing in a back three, Ndicka also has experience of playing as a left-back in his career. As reported by Newcastle Chronicle last month, he could cost in the region of £23million as he gets set to enter the final year of his deal.
Nordi Mukiele
Tottenham will no doubt take a look at right wing-back this summer due to their issues in the position throughout the season. Emerson Royal has struggled there at times, with Matt Doherty making the position his own from the end of February onwards before sustaining a season-ending knee injury in April.
Mukiele, who has been linked with Chelsea and Manchester United, operates as a wing-back for RB Leipzig and has chipped in with two goals and five assists in all competitions this term. Reports from Germany claim the Frenchman has rejected a new deal and the Bundesliga side will look to move him on this summer in order to bring in some cash.
