A sensible Dembele replacement touted – but the fee is a big issue

Tottenham Hotspur are interested in Bournemouth midfielder Lewis Cook but would have to pay £30 million to land him before the transfer window closes next week, according to the Daily Star.

Spurs are yet to sign any new players this summer and the centre of midfield is an area where the club could use reinforcements – especially as speculation over Mousa Dembele’s future persists.

The report suggests that Tottenham were impressed by Cook’s performances for Bournemouth last season and that a £30 million deal would be needed for the 21-year-old to end up in North London.

Looking at it objectively, the Cherries man would be an interesting addition at Spurs.

Cook’s young age, energy and tenacity, ability on the ball and attitude make him an enticing proposition for Mauricio Pochettino and the Bournemouth man would seemingly fit into the playing ethos at Tottenham.

Off the pitch, Daniel Levy would surely see the Cherries star as an investment and his addition would add to the english core of the Spurs team.

The one issue is the fee.

With Tottenham moving to a new stadium and clearly being careful with transfer fees, despite Levy’s comments otherwise, spending £30 million on a youngster that has had one good Premier League season seems excessive.

The verdict? I’d like to see Cook join Spurs but it would need to be at a lower fee.