Spurs-linked ace models himself on Alonso and Busquets, reported £14m price tag

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Reported Tottenham Hotspur target Baptiste Santamaria has spoken of his role models on the pitch, in conversation with France Football.

As reported by The Express, 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, with 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” and claimed his club wants around €16million (£14million) for him.

“When I was little, I played higher (up the pitch) so I really liked watching Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and of course (Zinedine) Zidane,” Santamaria told France Football.

“To speak about players who play or played at the position which is now mine I would say Sergio Busquets and Xabi Alonso (are my inspirations). I also liked (Andrea) Pirlo a lot.”

TBR View:

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 continue my progress in a new challenge” – Tottenham should definitely continue to monitor him.