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Tottenham are threatening to steal a march on North London rivals Arsenal on another defensive signing.

Spurs have tabled a bid for Nottingham Forest's highly rated England under-19s centre half Jamaal Lascelles.

Tottenham beat Arsenal to the signing of Belgian defender Jan Vertonghen and have become the first club to lodge a bid for Lascelles who has been tracked by a host of clubs, including the Gunners.

(Image: Dean Mouhtaropoulos)

Teenager Lascelles enhanced his growing reputation while on a loan spell at Stevenage last season and only has a year left on his contract which may tempt Forest to sell.

Aston Villa and Everton have also been scouting Lascelles but Spurs have put themselves firmly in pole position.

Meanwhile Tottenham have appointed Luis Martins as first team coach, who will work under new boss Andre Villas-Boas.

(Image: Action)

Martins has previously worked at Sporting Lisbon, where he oversaw the Under-17 and Under-19 sides and was also the club's assistant coach in 2004-05, and Braga.

A short statement on Tottenham's official website said: "The club is delighted to announce the appointment of Luis Martins as first team coach."

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