Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal are reportedly considering a summer approach for Fiorentina midfielder Borja Valero.

The Spaniard, who moved from Villarreal to the Viola last summer, has featured in all but one of the Italians' 33 league matches so far this season, with 10 assists to his name. The 28-year-old's impressive performances have grabbed the attention of several top clubs, including the north London rivals and Manchester City.

Borja Valero
Reuters

Valero was a West Bromwich Albion player for three years, after joining the Baggies in 2008 from Mallorca. However, following a poor debut season, he spent the next two campaigns on loan at Mallorca and Villarreal, joining the latter permanently in 2011.

talkSPORT claims Valero's consistent displays this season have caught the eye of the Premier League trio, with Spurs understood to be in the market for a cut-price alternative to long-time target Joao Moutinho.

AVB Hails Defoe

Meanwhile, Andre Villas-Boas has showered praise on Spurs striker Jermain Defoe, after the England international came off the bench in the 70th minute and scored the club's second goal in their 3-1 comeback win over Manchester City at White Hart Lane on Sunday.

"It was fantastic for him. He's been waiting for that goal for some time. He has made strong contact in front of goal but goalkeepers have been making impossible saves. This time, he scored a fantastic goal, coming inside onto his right foot. It was excellent for him," the manager said.

Fellow substitute Lewis Holtby set up Defoe's goal brilliantly, while Tom Huddlestone, the third player who came on, paved way for the club's third goal scored by Gareth Bale, with a sublime through ball.

"Credit to the three players who came into the game, their impact was massive. That made all the difference. I think when players come in with this spirit from the bench, with great determination, that's what you need," Villas-Boas added.

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