Tottenham considering bid for 20-year old Celta Vigo midfielder

The floodgates have started to open, finally, when it comes to Tottenham Hotspur transfer rumors. This one was released yesterday and suggests that Spurs are considering bidding for 20-year old Celta Vigo central midfielder Pape Chiekh Diop.

Never heard of him? That’s okay, neither had I, and there’s a reason for that. Senegalese by birth but raised in Spain, Diop is a Spanish U20 international and is considered one of the more promising midfielders in his generation. He doesn’t have a whole lot of first team experience — he had 22 La Liga appearances for Celta Vigo last season but played just 620 minutes, scoring one goal — but the Spurs coaching staff apparently see him as a young gun that could develop into a very promising midfielder.

The Mail says that Diop has a release clause in his contract of £25m, and suggests Pochettino thinks he’s similar to Dele Alli when he was at MK Dons. £25m in today’s market wouldn’t be the best value, but if he’s as promising as what they say it could be worth the outlay.

On the other hand it seems unlikely that a guy who has only 600 minutes for a mid-table team in La Liga would be ready to slot in and contribute significant minutes for a club that wants to challenge for the Premier League title. Spurs need midfield depth, but they need depth that can help this season. This would probably be one for the future.

Lyall Thomas says Spurs hope to complete a deal for him by next week; I say I’ll believe that Tottenham have actually made a signing when I see it.