Tottenham Hotspur are keeping tabs on a Barcelona teenager, who is already establishing himself in the Catalan giants’ first team.

Spurs chose against replacing Djed Spence with another right-back in the summer, with Archie Gray being tasked with serving as Pedro Porro’s understudy.

Porro’s injury has meant that the 20-year-old has already played six times across all competitions this season, but reports indicate that Spurs may sign a new right-back in January, which could allow Gray to compete for his preferred central midfield role.

It was reported a little over a month ago that Spurs are fans of Real Sociedad right-back Jon Aramburu, but another La Liga defensive starlet has now allegedly caught their eye.

Tottenham could battle Arsenal for Barcelona’s Xavi Espart

According to CaughtOffside, Tottenham and Arsenal are both keeping a close eye on Barcelona starlet Xavi Espart, whose reputation has grown considerably in light of his brilliant start to the season.

The La Masia graduate has already started seven games for Barca this season and has a goal and two assists to his name.

His technical quality, tactical intelligence and versatility are thought to have impressed the scouts of both North London clubs, who are monitoring him closely.

In fact, the recruitment department at the Lilywhites and the Gunners have both compiled detailed scouting reports on the defender.

The 19-year-old is also being watched by Aston Villa, Borussia Dortmund and Juventus, but none of these clubs has held formal negotiations with the player or with Barca so far.

Barca’s likely asking price for Espart revealed

CaughtOffside say that Barca are already taking major steps to ensure that the 19-year-old does not leave cheaply in January.

Espart is contracted at Camp Nou until 2030, and it is revealed that he is protected by a €100m (£85m) release clause. However, interested clubs would not have to pay the release clause to secure the youngster’s services.

The website asserts that it would take an offer of around €40m-€50m (£34m-£42m) to bring Hansi Flick’s side to the negotiating table for their academy graduate.