Spurs ‘in talks to sign highly-rated Anderlecht star’ – Report

Youri Tielemans: Wanted by Tottenham

Youri Tielemans: Wanted by Tottenham

Tottenham are reported to have opened talks with Anderlecht in a bid to beat a number of fellow suitors to Youri Tielemans – and could spend up to £24million to land the highly-rated teenage midfielder.

Reports in the Belgian press claims Spurs have had a long-standing interest in the young midfielder, and the Daily Star now claims Spurs have begun negotiations with Anderlecht and are willing to pay £15million up front, with a further £9million in add-ons to sign him.

Tielemans is under contract until 2020 and has been scouted by a host of top clubs across Europe.

But it is interest from Spanish giants Atletico Madrid which was spurred the White Hart Lane club into action.

Both clubs watched Tielemans in Europa League action against Olympiakos last month, and the player has also impressed against Spurs in the competition.

He has also been scouted by Juventus, Chelsea and Liverpool but sources close to the player insist it is a straight fight between Spurs and Atletico for his signature.

Tielemans became the youngest Belgian ever to play in the Champions League at just 16 years and 148 days old when he played for Anderlecht against Olympiakos in 2013.

He was then voted Belgium’s young player of the year, and has been compared to a young Frank Lampard.

Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino is a huge fan and believes Tielemans would be a perfect fit in a Spurs squad already bursting with youth.