Tottenham set to beat Liverpool to the signing of Burnley defender Kieran Trippier

Tottenham are reportedly set to beat Liverpool to the signing of Burnley defender Keiran Trippier.

According to the Telegraph, the right-back, who signed a new three-year contract with the Clarets last year, has a £3.5m release-clause in his deal and Spurs are ready to activate it to make him their first summer signing.

Mauricio Pochettino has made strengthening his defence a priority, especially the right-back position due to the constant injury troubles faced by Kyle Walker, who is his current number one for that role.

The English defender has had an injury ravaged season, and is currently sidelined with yet another injury after only returning to action in December following a surgery for a long-term abdominal injury in September last year.

Trippier was impressive this season for Sean Dyche's side and despite their relegation, he was one of their most consistent performers with 41 appearances in all competition.

Liverpool along with Premier League new boys Bournemouth are also interested in signing him, but the report states that the north London club have surged ahead in the race and are currently favourites to land the defender.

The report claims that the 21-year-old England U21 international will leave Turf Moor this year following their relegation from the Premier League.

Manchester City stand to make around £1.2m if Trippier's clause is activated in the summer after they inserted a 40% sell-on clause in his contract when Burnley bought him from their youth setup for £450,000.

The right-back is not the only player linked with a move away from Turf Moor, with striker Danny Ings also having played his last game for the Clarets. Liverpool are leading the race for the England U21 striker, who is currently out of a contract and will move to the club of his choosing.