Tottenham Set to Beat Arsenal and Liverpool for Defender Dejan Lovren

Tottenham are looking to beat Premier League rivals Arsenal and Liverpool to the signing of Dejan Lovren, according to the Express.

The Croatian defender has been in demand throughout the summer transfer window with his name linked to top European clubs, including Barcelona.

Lovren, who was in Brazil with the Croatian team for the World Cup, has been a big hit at Southampton after joining them from Lyon last summer. He was a key member of the team that went on to finish eighth in the Premier League. These performances have now attracted attention and the Croat could be set for a move to a bigger club to play at a higher level.

Spurs are in the market for defensive reinforcements as the futures of current centre-backs Michael Dawson and Younes Kaboul are still uncertain. Manager Mauricio Pochettino knows that he has to strengthen the backline if the north London club really wants to push for a Champions League spot.

With all their main rivals strengthening their teams this summer, it will be vital for Spurs to get busy in the market and get their deals done.

The 25-year-old defender is also said to be unhappy at Southampton after seeing his manager and friend Pochettino leave the club to join Tottenham. Moreover, he has now seen three of his colleagues get their dream moves to bigger clubs in England.

Liverpool have been in pole position all summer to land the commanding centre-back, before Arsenal and now Tottenham joined the race. The White Hart Lane club could hold the edge due to the relationship between their current manager and the player whom he signed from Lyon.

However, the Reds already signing two players from Southampton and the added incentive of playing Champions League football might entice the former Lyon defender to choose the Merseyside club.

Meanwhile, new Saints boss Ronald Koeman will be reluctant to let yet another star leave for pastures new after already losing three players in this transfer window. Nevertheless, if Lovren pushes for the move and the offer meets their value, it might be too tempting for Southampton to turn down.