Atletico Madrid intensify pursuit of Tottenham defender

Atletico Madrid are hoping to steal a march on their European rivals for the signature of Tottenham right-back Kieran Trippier, claims The Sun.

Tottenham are willing to let Trippier leave this summer after a testing 12 months for club and country and will listen to offers in the region of £25m.

Trippier was one of England’s best performers at the 2018 World Cup but has now lost his place in Gareth Southgate’s squad to Liverpool starlet Trent Alexander-Arnold.

The 28-year-old has already conceded his future is in Tottenham’s hands and now Atletico are ready to make their move.

Atletico are currently in the process of a squad overhaul and head coach Diego Simeone wants to address both full-back positions.

Juanfran turns 35 midway through next season and Santiago Arias has failed to make a significant impact at the club.

Atletico are keen on Trippier but face competition from Serie A duo Juventus and Napoli, who are also interested in the Tottenham right-back.

Of defenders that have attempted at least 100 crosses (excluding corners) over the last two seasons, only four have a better success rate than Trippier (23.1%).