Tottenham are closing in on the signing of highly-rated Playmouth defender Jamie Richards, according to a report in the Daily Mirror this morning.

Alan Nixon writes in the Daily Mirror: "Manchester United have also been watching Richards, but his family are from the London area and he seems set to choose Spurs to continue his football education."

Nixon adds: "Richards, who has yet to commit his future to Argyle, would cost Spurs a compensation fee of around £500,000 but rising over appearances."

Richards, 16, is a tall left-sided defender who has been tracked by a number of Premier League clubs including Liverpool.

The youngster is expected to make a move from the struggling Championship side in the coming weeks.