Premier League duo battle for Zenit defender

Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle are battling to sign Zenit St Petersburg defender Tomas Hubocan, the player's agent has said.

The Premier League pair are also in competition with Serie A sides Napoli and Inter Milan for the Slovakian international's signature, though it may be difficult to prise the 27-year-old away from Zenit as he is reportedly happy to remain in Russia.

Hubocan's agent, Michal Holescak, told tuttomercatoweb.com: "Newcastle and Tottenham are interested in him, but we had contacts with Inter Milan and Napoli.

"Tomas is a top defender, a player for big European teams. However, he is happy in [Luciano] Spalletti's team. He's focused on the Russian Premier League and on the Europa League."

Hubocan made a £2.8million switch from MSK Zilina to Zenit in 2008 and has established himself as a versatile defender who can play at centre-back or in either full-back position. 

Premier League fans may have caught a glimpse of the Slovakian during Zenit's recent Europa League tie with Liverpool. Hubocan played in both the 2-0 home win and the 3-1 defeat at Anfield.

The 27-year-old has made 21 caps for Slovakia and has been a regular alongside Liverpool's Martin Skrtel since 2010. However, he has never scored for his country.