LONDON: Tottenham are getting closer to Real Madrid star Sergio Reguilon after intercepting Manchester United’s efforts to secure the Spanish defense.

The 23-year-old is expected to leave the Bernabeu this summer after being loaned out to Sevilla last season and United had talks with Madrid last week over a £ 20 million deal.

However, the talks were interrupted when Madrid insisted on the purchase clause while United disagreed.

It opened the way for Tottenham and Athletic to claim a deal is imminent which will see the Spaniard move north of London permanently.

Spurs have signed Matt Doherty and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg so far and Jose Mourinho wants to sign left-back after Danny Rose has been allowed to leave the club.

Solskjaer wants to find a rival for Luke Shaw, who missed four not last season due to injury.

However Reguilon had spoken to Mourinho earlier this month and was persuaded to join Spurs.