Tottenham Hotspur are set to face tough competition from Europe’s elite in pursuit of a summer defensive target who could be available on a free transfer.

The winter transfer window is edging closer with just two months left before it officially opens, and Tottenham Hotspur could very well be active once again.

The club has been linked with several players in recent weeks, and Marc Guehi of Crystal Palace remains one of the standout names on Spurs’ radar.

However, securing the England international will not be straightforward. The Palace defender has drawn attention from some of Europe’s biggest clubs, and Tottenham’s hopes of landing him could face stiff resistance.

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Marc Guehi’s current contract with Crystal Palace is due to expire next summer, meaning clubs can begin formal talks over a pre-contract agreement should he fail to extend his stay at Selhurst Park.

According to Florian Plettenberg, Liverpool, Barcelona, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich are all understood to be monitoring Guehi closely, each considering a move for the 25-year-old centre-half.

Liverpool remains determined to bring Guehi to Anfield on a free transfer, with ongoing discussions already taking place.

The Reds’ interest is described as “very concrete”, while Barcelona are...