Tottenham pursuing a move for Chelsea defender Tosin Adarabioyo as a potential replacement for Kevin Danso | OneFootball

Tottenham Hotspur are stepping up efforts to sign Chelsea defender Tosin Adarabioyo as a potential replacement for Kevin Danso before the transfer deadline, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Spurs have opened talks with their London rivals to discuss a deal for the 28-year-old centre-back.

The move has become a realistic option as Tottenham plan defensive reshuffles before the window closes.

However, any deal for Adarabioyo remains dependent on Danso’s future.

The Austrian defender is among several players who have told head coach Roberto De Zerbi they want to leave North London before the window shuts. De Zerbi confirmed Danso’s stance publicly, revealing the defender requested an exit directly.

With newly-promoted Sunderland showing strong interest in Danso, Tottenham are prepared to sanction his departure, provided they secure an adequate replacement to maintain central defensive depth.

Tottenham have identified Adarabioyo as an ideal contingency. The 6ft 5in defender brings extensive Premier League experience from his spells at Fulham and Chelsea, offering aerial dominance, progressive ball-playing, and leadership.

With Chelsea’s squad currently bloated, the Blues are open to facilitating his move across London after sanctioning moves for Trevoh Chalobah, Axel Disasi and Benoit Badiashile earlier this summer to streamline their defensive options.

Signing Adarabioyo would help Spurs further fulfil homegrown player requirements, a crucial factor in a summer window which has seen multiple players come through the door.

As negotiations continue between Spurs and Chelsea, Adarabioyo is waiting to see where his immediate future lies after being deemed surplus to requirements at Stamford Bridge.

After featuring twice in pre-season, Adarabioyo has yet to appear in any of Chelsea’s three competitive matches under Xabi Alonso, despite the manager opting for a back-three system.