TOTTENHAM are lining up a stunning move for Brazilian wonderkid Morato after scouting him in the Champions League this week.
The centre-back, 22, played a starring role in Benfica’s 3-1 win over RB Salzburg on Wednesday.
And SunSport can exclusively reveal he is Ange Postecoglou’s top defensive target after Spurs watched him in action for the FOURTH time this past month.
Big Ange is desperate to strengthen his backline this winter following a long-term injury to Micky van de Ven.
Morato is rated as one of the best young talents in Portugal’s top flight.
The ex-Sao Paulo kid joined Benfica in 2019 for £5million and has since made 65 appearances.
Morato, a left footer, scooped his first-ever league title last season.
And the ace’s contract runs until 2027, with a release clause currently set at £68m.
But Benfica need to raise funds after crashing out of the Champions League and could be ready to sell him for a bargain price next month.
Postecoglou hopes to be backed by Daniel Levy in the upcoming transfer window after seeing Spurs’ bright start brutally end amid a wave of injuries and suspensions.
FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
After going unbeaten in their first 10 games, the Londoners then lost four of the next five matches before stopping the rot against Newcastle last weekend.
However, the likes of Van de Ven and James Maddison are not expected back for some time yet.
And Postecoglou wants to add more faces before the end of January to prevent another collapse, with Morato leading the way.
TRANSFER NEWS LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and confirmed switches from the world of football
