Tottenham Hotspur are one of several Premier League clubs eyeing a move for a young defensive Championship starlet.
Spurs made wholesale changes to their squad during the summer transfer window, bringing a total of 10 new players through the door and allowing even more to depart.
The window signalled a clear shift in strategy from the North London club, with all 10 of their signings being Premier League-proven players, and Tottenham were prepared to pay a premium for many of them.
However, it turns out that the Lilywhites are also keeping a keen eye on the best young talents in the lower leagues, and a 19-year-old defender is on their radar.
Tottenham one of several PL clubs eyeing Blackburn’s Tom Atcheson
According to TEAMtalk, Tottenham ‘have been keeping a close eye’ on Blackburn Rovers centre-back Tom Atcheson.
The 19-year-old broke into the Rovers starting eleven during the second half of last campaign and has won many admirers with his mature and calm displays.
Alongside Tottenham, Man United were also watching the teenager’s progress, which is why Blackburn tied him down to a new contract at the start of the summer.
However, that did not stop the interest, with Chelsea launching an enquiry for Atcheson late in the transfer window, which was rebuffed.
The report adds that the teenager is also on the radar of Manchester City, Liverpool, Newcastle United, Sunderland and Crystal Palace.
Atcheson is expected to follow in Adam Wharton’s footsteps
TEAMtalk reveal that Blackburn regard the centre-back as their best young prospect since Adam Wharton came through at Ewood Park, and they expect him to reach similar levels to the Crystal Palace star.
However, Rovers have no desire to accelerate Atcheson’s departure, and they are now well protected after tying him down to a new deal.
Having rejected multiple enquiries for the youngster in the summer, the Championship side’s priority is to keep the Northern Ireland international and ensure he continues developing at the club.