Report: Club closing in on replacement for Spurs-linked man deemed ‘one of the best’ in France

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Reported Tottenham Hotspur target Baptiste Santamaria may have just edged closer to a departure from Angers, who are said to be nearing a move for a potential replacement.

As reported by The Express in April, Spurs have watched the 25-year-old on a “handful of occasions”, with Premier League rivals Everton and Leicester City also said to be eyeing the player.

Santamaria has been impressive in his defensive midfield role at the Stade Raymond Kopa and, as such, it’s little surprise to see him being linked with clubs in England.

And according to Ouest-France, Angers have an agreement in principle with Le Havre midfielder Pape Gueye to sign him this summer upon the expiry of his contract.

Gueye was seemingly on the way to Watford, who formally announced the deal in late April with a view to a July arrival, but this may now no longer be the case.

He has released a statement via French publication L’Equipe stating that he trusted a person who advised him “badly” and that he would be ending “all contractual links” with Watford.

“One of the best midfielders in France”

Santamaria, who The Express claimed has been described as “the next N’Golo Kante”, has made 30 first-team appearances for Angers this season, claiming one goal and one assist.

He has been praised by Get Football News France, who recently devoted an entire feature article to Angers’ “jewel in their crown”.

“Operating as the midfield pivot in a 4-1-4-1, Santamaria is the sentinel in black and white,” read the article. “The (then) 24-year-old is one of the best midfielders in France, his athletic endurance alone has earned him the nickname “4X4”.

“Angers will most likely aim to receive around €16million (£14million) for him, a very reasonable fee for a player who has never had any injury problems and has gained four full seasons of experience in the French top flight, developing into one of the most underrated midfielders across the continent.”

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While Tottenham are currently well stocked in midfield, there have been question marks over some of Tanguy Ndombele’s performances prior to the suspension of the football leagues.

Eric Dier has also come under scrutiny on occasion, while Victor Wanyama was offloaded in March after falling out of contention at Spurs.

Given Santamaria’s impressive performances and ambitions – he recently told Telefoot that “it’s time to continue my progress in a new challenge” – Tottenham should definitely continue to monitor him.