Tottenham transfer news: Spurs eye move for Matteo Guendouzi

By Laura O'Leary

11th Dec, 2017 | 1:32pm

Tottenham in Jan transfer mission for Dembele replacement, Poch wants Levy to move fast – Sky Sports

Tottenham are now said to be monitoring FC Lorient’s Matteo Guendouzi closely as they continue to search for a long-term replacement for Mousa Dembele, according to Sky Sports.

Sky Sports reports that Spurs and Manchester City are interested in the 18-year-old defensive midfielder who has recently broke into FC Lorient’s first team.

Tottenham have been scouting for a replacement for Dembele due to his contract only having 18 months left.

Spurs had previously identified Geoffrey Kondogbia as a candidate to replace Dembele, but are now also keeping an eye on Guendouzi as their search continues.

Guendouzi has made 12 appearances across all competitions for FC Lorient, to help his side sit third in Ligue 2.

Spurs manager Pochettino has indicated that the club could do business in the January transfer window to avoid competing with PL giants in the summer.

He was quoted as saying: “Maybe we need to sign players in January and bring them in six months before. If not, we’re going to compete in the same period as City, United, Liverpool and Chelsea, and we’re going to struggle to bring in the players we want.”

Football Insider Verdict

Last season when Dembele was missing, Tottenham looked worse for it as they failed to have another defensive midfielder on his level. It is a smart move for Spurs to secure a replacement for the midfielder sooner rather than later. Whether Dembele extends his stay at the club is irrelevant because his chronic injury problems are a serious issue. Guendouzi looks like a good option given his age and the fact he has already been exposed to first-team football. The only problem with this potential deal is seeing off the threat of Manchester City without the price increasing.

In other Tottenham news, fans have reacted on Twitter to their Champions League draw.

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