Spurs are lining up a sensational move for unfancied Barcelona forward David Villa, according to reports in Spain.

Tottenham have joined Liverpool in the chase for the Spanish striker as Andre Villas-Boas desperately looks to bolster his attacking options.

Villa, 31, broke his tibia and missed most of the 2011/12 season and since his return in August this year has struggled to hold down a regular place in the Barcelona side under Tito Vilanova.

That means the hitman could be available for a cut-price fee as early as January and although Liverpool have been long-term suitors, Spurs look to be more realistic challengers for a Champions League place this season.

Villa, who has scored 26 goals in 48 starts for the Catalan giants, would represent a coup for Villas-Boas who could deploy the Spaniard in either a wide or central position.

The former Valencia star is believed to favour a switch to the Premier League rather than another Spanish club.