Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly opened talks with Barcelona over a permanent deal for full-back Emerson Royal.
Nuno Espirito Santo is keen to bolster his defensive options in the closing days of the transfer window, particularly with the future of Serge Aurier still up in the air.
Spurs have begun the new campaign with Japhet Tanganga at right-back and are looking to offload Aurier, who has now entered the final year of his contract, before Tuesday's 11pm deadline.
The Telegraph reports that they have identified Barcelona's Emerson as their top target in that area of the field and that they are open to either a straight cash deal or a swap which would see Aurier move in the opposite direction.
Emerson joined Barca in 2019 but has spent the last three seasons on loan at Real Betis, helping them to reach the Europa League last season.
The 22-year-old has featured in both of Barcelona's La Liga games so far this season, but the Spanish giants are open to offers for most of their players due to their desperate financial state.
Spurs, meanwhile, are keen to offload fringe players following Nuno's arrival, with the likes of Danny Rose, Toby Alderweireld, Erik Lamela and Moussa Sissoko having already departed this summer.
Barney Corkhill
