Tottenham step up £35m chase for Victor Wanyama replacement

Tottenham are reportedly ready to step up their chase for Watford’s £35m-rated enforcer Abdoulaye Doucoure as a potential replacement for Victor Wanyama.

The 25-year-old Frenchman has attracted a string of admirers for his outstanding performances at the heart of the Hornets’ midfield, since his arrival from Rennes in 2016.

Liverpool, Arsenal and Ligue 1 giants PSG have all been linked with a move for the combative star, but it would appear that Spurs are very much in the race to secure Doucoure’s signature.

Mauricio Pochettino is expected to splash the cash in January, after Spurs came up dry in the summer transfer market, and a new central midfielder is said to be high on his list of priorities.

Continued doubts over Mousa Dembele’s future and Wanyama’s fall from grace means the north London club are likely to strengthen in that department.

The Kenya international had been a regular fixture under Pochettino but after suffering a knee injury in a pre-season clash with Barcelona, the 27-year-old has failed to displace Eric Dier in the holding midfield role.

Harry Winks’ emergence has also hindered Wanyama, although the report in the Daily Mirror goes on to add that that will not stop Pochettino moving for Doucoure – if he becomes available.