Atletico Madrid are eyeing Tottenham fullback Emerson Royal.

Royal joined Spurs from Barcelona in July in a £25.8million deal and made 44 appearances in his debut season for the Premier League club.

Sky Sports says Atletico have stepped up their interest in Royal, who they wanted to sign last summer.

The Spanish giants are seeking reinforcements in defence after losing Kieran Trippier to Newcastle for an initial £12million.

Royal is under contract at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in 2026 so is likely to command a considerable fee should the club choose to sell.