Tottenham are interested in signing defender Sikou Niakate from French second-tier club Valenciennes, according to Foot Mercato.
The French news outlet claims that Spurs cast their eye over the 18-year-old at the weekend in a reserve match.
It is understood that the north London club are at the early stages of a potential swoop.
The report details that Niakate only signed a first professional contract with Valenciennes in November, when FC Basel and Zulte Waregem were keen on the player.
Good move for Spurs?
Niakate is a highly-rated defender and the powerful centre-back would be an interesting pick up for Spurs.
However, he is right at the beginning of his senior career and is a fairly unknown quality for English audiences.
Riyad Mahrez’s move to Leicester in 2014 is a shinning example that these type of deals do exist and manager Mauricio Pochettino has become very knowledgable in tutoring promising young talents.
This Is Futbol rating: 5/10
Likely to happen?
Niakate is under contract with his currently club until 2021, but the likelihood is that he could move on beforehand as he is a highly sought-after defender.
However, a move to the Premier League at this point is still unclear and Spurs are yet to firm any interest.
They also do already have several centre-back options in their first-team squad and Niakate may not be ready yet.
This Is Futbol rating: 4/10