Tottenham to Address Left-Back Problems with Addition of Italian Defender – Report

Tottenham Hotspur are interested in signing Zenit St. Petersburg defender Domenico Criscito as they look to find a new left-back to compete with Danny Rose.

Spurs may have significantly strengthened over the course of the summer but it seems manager Andre Villas-Boas feels they need just one more player as they attempt to convince Criscito to make the move to White Hart Lane.

Having allowed Benoit Assou-Ekotto to join Queens Park Rangers on a season-long loan, Rose is the only out-and-out left-back at the club. Jan Vertonghen and Kyle Naughton have both been used as cover but it seems Villas-Boas would like another stronger option.

Reports in Italy suggest that Tottenham will have a battle on their hands to sign the 26 year old as Inter Milan have also been tracking his progress and are keen to test Zenit's resolve with an offer in January.

Criscito has been regularly linked with a return to Serie A but his agent Andrea D'Amico made it clear in the summer that the left back was happy in Russia.

"Those who have linked Croscito with Fiorentina have only spread rumours which are without foundation," D'Amico told Lady Radio.

"There is no truth in them whatsoever. Domenico will continue his experience in Russia, where he is very happy."

Criscito has been capped some 20 times by Italy and previously played for Juventus and Genoa before making the move to Zenit. It was believed that Villas-Boas had the defender scouted on numerous occasions in the summer and may now renew his interest in January.

Spurs have been praised for having two talented players for almost every position in the side but it seems they are still short of cover at left-back and Crscito may be the answer to the problem.

Should the north London club still be competing at the top of the table then it may be easier to convince the Italian to make the move as he is currently playing in the Champions League and competing for major honours with Zenit.