Tottenham transfer news: Mauricio Pochettino considering January move for Sassuolo defender Sime Vrsaljko

Tottenham are reportedly considering a January move for Croatian defender Sime Vrsaljko, who is also a target for Juventus.

According to talkSPORT, Mauricio Pochettino is keeping a tab on the defender, who is a target for the Italian giants as they look for cover for injured defender Kwadwo Asamoah and a backup for veteran left-back Patrice Evra.

But the highly rated 22-year-old defender has now caught the eye of the north London club's Argentine manager and he has sent scouts to have him watched with a view to a January move.

Vrsaljko, is a Croatian international, who currently plies his trade in the Serie A with Sassuolo, and despite only joining them this summer from Genoa, is available for a transfer during the upcoming winter transfer window. The Italian club are said to value him at around £3m.

The Seria A defender's versatility to play either in defence or in midfield might tempt the Tottenham boss to make a bid to acquire his services during the transfer window.

But it is to be seen if the defender can be convinced to move to England or if he will prefer to remain in Italy and sign for the league champions.

Meanwhile, Spurs midfielder Benjamin Stambouli is relishing the White Hart Lane outfit's Europa League clash against Besiktas in Turkey. He believes it is going to be a tough game against Slaven Bilic's men, but is hopeful that Tottenham can show their quality and finish top of their group ahead of the Turkish team.

"I think it's a good challenge for us to go to Besiktas and to play for first place. The Europa League is a very good competition, we play against good teams and you know it's always going to be a tough game. We have the possibility to show what Tottenham are able to do, but we know we have to be solid," Stambouli said, as quoted on Spurs' official site.