A Bola (as relayed by Sport Witness) have now claimed that Ange Postecoglou is a fan of Benfica starlet Morato, revealing that Tottenham would have to improve on the offer Fulham made for the centre-back last summer if they wish to sign him.

Morato has come on leaps and bounds over the last 12 months and is now a mainstay in the Benfica backline, and his performances have seemingly caught the attention of Spurs.

The Daily Mail were the first to report last month that the 22-year-old is on Tottenham’s radar ahead of January.

The speculation linking the Brazilian with a move to Spurs is now intensifying, with O Jogo (via Sport Witness) revealing a couple of days ago that Tottenham have ‘intensified their observations’ of the defender, who has now become a ‘priority’ for the Premier League side.

Postecoglou a fan of Morato amid Tottenham links

A Bola have now also covered Tottenham’s pursuit of Morato, explaining that scouts from the club have been to Lisbon four times this season to watch the centre-back in action.

The report explains that Benfica star is a favourite of Postecoglou but Spurs would have to pay a significant fee to prise him away from the Estadio da Luz.

The publication explains that Fulham failed with a €25m (£21.4m) offer for Morato in the summer and Tottenham would have to make a better offer if they wish to sign the 22-year-old.

Morato’s has stepped up and hit a new level this season. So, in all likelihood, Benfica are going to expect well above £30m for the centre-back in January, potentially even close to £40m.

However, if Postecoglou is convinced that the Brazilian has the talent to evolve into a top player, then one would expect Tottenham to back the Australian’s judgement.