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Tottenham Face Battle With Lyon for £25m-Rated La Liga Star Pape Cheikh Diop

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Spurs could finally make a move in the transfer market with Daniel Levy looking to open up the cheque book and beat Lyon to the services of young Spanish midfielder Pape Cheikh Diop.

The Daily Mail claims that manager Mauricio Pochettino is looking to make some additions to improve his squad before the campaign begins, with Diop a promising target, who can add competition for places to the likes of Dele Alli and Christian Eriksen.

Sources claim the Lilywhites have been tracking the Celta Vigo prodigy for months, but could be set to miss out on the 20-year-old, as a stall in negotiations has allowed Ligue 1 side Lyon to swoop in for the Spanish U-19 international.

With a £25m clause in his contract, the fee is high for a player who has only had just under two seasons of competitive professional football under his belt after the midfielder signed his first contract to play at the Balaídos until 2021. 

A Senegal native who moved to Spain at the age of 14, the midfielder who has similar characteristics physically and technically to star man Alli impressed last season despite his inexperience. 

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As the Célticos finished 13th in La Liga and reached the semi-final of the Europa League last seasons despite a limited budget, the Spanish side impressed both at home and in European competition and Diop was a big part of that with 27 appearances.

Signing a recent contract in January, the club were aware of the attention he would attract from higher profile-clubs and his performances has received admiring glances from potential suitors. After Lyon sold talented playmaker Corentin Tolisso to Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich, they are keen to wrap up a quick deal for Diop to fend off interest from Spurs.

If the Premier League runners-up deter on another promising talent, they could face the wrath of the fans after failing to add to the squad while their rivals spend big.