Tottenham to battle Barcelona for AS Monaco defender Aymen Abdennour

Tottenham Hotspur are considering a move in signing AS Monaco defender Aymen Abdennour, according to French publication Le10Sport.

The 25-year-old has been impressive for the Ligue 1 outfit during the 2014/15 season. His display against Arsenal in the Champions League knockout stages helped Monaco knock the Gunners out of the competition.

The Tunisian international's form has attracted interest from the White Hart Lane club as Mauricio Pochettino wants to land him in the summer transfer window. Tottenham have already made an approach with the player's representative over his availability.

Abdennour has also been closely watched by Tottenham's derby rivals Arsenal. The defender's agent revealed Arsene Wenger's scouts have watched him in every match he has played for Monaco last season.

He has long been a target for the French manager as he was considering a move for him. The centre-back has already admitted that he is open to leave his current employers this summer.

"It's certain that you can always go higher, and that I would love to play in big clubs like that. Why not leave if I can improve still further?" Abdennour told L'Equipe.

"Things are clear for me. I have a contract through to 2019. It's not up to me to decide whether I stay or not, it's the president. I'm already at a big club."

Abdennour's performance for the French club has attracted interest from other clubs as well. Along with Tottenham and Arsenal, Newcastle United are also after Abdennour's signature.

The English clubs will face a challenge from Barcelona as the Catalan club are also interested in signing the Monaco star. The treble winners want to secure his services and a move to Nou Camp will see him wait till January 2016 to start playing for the La Liga giants due to their transfer ban.

In addition to this, Champions League finalist Juventus and their league rivals AC Milan are also in the race to sign Abdennour. With the player expressing his desire to leave Monaco, a bidding war is likely to be expected among the European clubs for the defender's services.