TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR are closing in on German Under-21 star Jeremy Toljan, according to reports.

The 22-year-old Hoffenheim defender, who can play either full-back position, has just a year left on his deal with the Bundesliga club.

4 Tottenham are said to be close to a deal for Hoffenheim full back Jeremy Toljan Credit: Getty Images

4 The highly-rated youngster helped Germany win the U21 Euros last month Credit: Rex Features

And according to Portuguese newspaper Record Sport, Spurs are set to beat Benfica to the highly-rated youngster.

The Eagles are said to have given up the chase for Toljan, knowing they can't compete financially with Spurs.

Toljan, who made his debut for Hoffenheim aged 18 in 2013, is tipped as a future star for the German national team.

He has been capped at every level from Under-17 to U21 - helping that side win the U21 Euros last month.

The athletic Toljan, who stands 6ft tall, had been linked with Chelsea and Napoli earlier this year.

Right-footed, Toljan has spent much of his career playing as a left-back, but he is expected to compete with Kieran Trippier for the right-back berth if he moves to north London.

4 Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino is yet to bring in any new players Credit: Getty Images

4 Kyle Walker was sold to Man City for a record fee for a defender Credit: Alamy

Mauricio Pochettino is seeking another defender after the blockbuster sale of Kyle Walker to Manchester City last week.

The England defender was sold for a fee that could rise to £53million - making him the most expensive defender of all time.

Spurs have faced criticism from some of their fans this summer over a lack of transfer activity.

They are the only Premier League team yet to make a first-team addition to their squad, despite their rivals spending hundreds of millions.

Tottenham continue to be linked with Paris Saint-Germain right-back Serge Aurier and Leicester City winger Riyad Mahrez.

£30miillion flop Moussa Sissoko could be sold.

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