By Joe Owens
Tottenham Hotspur are preparing for a summer duel with North London rivals Arsenal in the quest to sign Toulouse defender Issa Diop, according to France Football.
Scouts from both Premier League clubs were instructed to follow the youngster during his side’s goalless draw with Paris Saint Germain at the Parc des Princes on Sunday.
The France under-21 international has made 20 impressive league appearances for Les Pitchouns this season, as well as notching two goals – which has resulted in attention being drawn from England’s elite.
A summer transfer for the 20-year-old may prove expensive however, as the Ligue 1 starlet only signed a new contract with Toulouse last summer – keeping the Frenchman at the club until 2020.
Spurs have Belgian duo Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld as their first-choice centre-halves, with Kevin Wimmer and Eric Dier also in consideration at the back.
However, Pochettino may well look to the transfer market in the summer to boost the club’s options in defence, with strength in depth a possible issue for Tottenham this season.
The Argentine coach puts emphasis on attracting young players with potential and as such Diop could well fit the bill.