Tottenham "close" to signing Burnley right back Kieran Trippier

The EPL season is over and the vultures are now circling around the relegated sides, picking off all the best players. Tottenham is apparently not an exception in that regard: a report in the Telegraph today indicates that Spurs are "close" to securing the services of Burnley right back Kieran Trippier.

Trippier has been one of the better performers in a Clarets side that unfortunately finished next to last in the Premier League this season. An accomplished defender and crosser of the ball, the 24-year old started most of Burnley's matches at right back this season. He signed a new deal with Burnley last season, but has a release clause of only £3.5m. He's also reportedly wanted by Liverpool and Bournemouth, but Tottenham are thought to be Trippier's preferred destination. As far as right backs go, he would be a very solid signing and good addition to Tottenham's squad, and the price is definitely right.

The Telegraph is a pretty reliable source of transfer news and information, so this is definintely a story Spurs fans should pay attention to. Kyle Walker is still Tottenham's first choice right back, but he has been dogged by injury problems for the past two seasons. Spurs also have DeAndre Yedlin, but have been extremely reluctant to play him this season, instead bringing him along very gradually. Instead, Spurs have been relying on the play of converted center back Eric Dier as a deputy right back.

The signing of Trippier would indicate that Spurs are concerned about Walker's long-term health. Trippier may not be a direct replacement, but he would be a solid insurance policy for if (or when) Walker gets injured again. I'm not sure what this says about Yedlin: he could be competition for Trippier much in the way that Ben Davies was competition for Danny Rose, or perhaps Spurs will consider sending Yedlin out on loan next year for some experience.

The usual caveats go here: this is still unconfirmed and lots of rumors emerge at this time of the year. However, this is a pretty legitimate source in a position of need for Spurs, so it would not shock me at all of this happens. Trippier is a solid player, and this season has proven that Spurs do need a quality backup at right back. He'd fit the bill quite nicely.