Tottenham round-up: Celta Vigo midfielder scouted; Benfica midfielder linked; Conte praises Kane

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According to reports coming from American news outlet ESPN over the past day, Tottenham are setting their sights on signing young Celta Vigo midfielder Pape Cheikh Diop this summer window.

With the Spanish side currently in England for pre-season friendlies against Brentford and Premier League side Burnley, the Daily Mail believes that scouts from across the top-flight will see him play.

Although the north London side haven’t submitted a formal offer for the 19-year-old as of yet it’s possible that Tottenham will send someone to Griffin Park on Saturday to keep a close eye on Diop.

The Senegalese-born youngster has burst onto the scene in Spain, featuring 14 times in La Liga over the past two years, and he was a big part of Spain’s Under-19 European Championship winning side in 2015.

Despite the reported interest Diop signed a new contract extension in January until 2021.

Meanwhile, reports surfacing from The Sun late on Tuesday afternoon believe that Tottenham are considering a move for Benfica midfielder Ljubomir Fejsa this summer.

The 28-year-old has impressed during his stint in Portugal, helping Benfica secure the Portuguese league title once again last season, and it’s thought that Mauricio Pochettino is growing in interest.

Fejsa is out of contract next summer, with no signs of extension talks beginning yet, and it is understood that Tottenham would have the required financial resources should they opt to force a deal.

The Serbian powerhouse has played 93 times for Benfica since arriving from perennial Greek champions Olympiakos in 2013, and has been an evergreen presence in the Serbia national side.

Moving away from transfer speculation, Chelsea boss Antonio Conte has openly said that Tottenham forward Harry Kane would be the number one striker he would buy if he had things his own way.

The 23-year-old striker enjoyed a prolific season once again in London, despite being out of action for a month, and scored 29 Premier League goals, claiming the Golden Boot for the second season in a row.

Speaking in a press conference yesterday, talkSPORT reports he said: “For me, Kane is one of the best strikers in the world.

“If I had to buy one striker I would go to Kane. He is a complete striker. He is strong physically with the ball, without the ball, he fights and he’s strong in the air and acrobatic on the right and the left.

“If you go to buy Kane now, it would be at least £100million. At least.”

But at the same time – despite only finishing seven points behind the Blues in last year’s close-run title race – the Italian also took a swipe at Tottenham’s perceived lack of ambition, saying:

“My question is this. What are Tottenham’s expectations? If they don’t win the title it’s not a tragedy. If they don’t arrive in the Champions League it’s not a tragedy.

“If they go out in the first round of the Champions League it’s not a tragedy. If they go out in the Europa League against Gent, it’s not a tragedy.”

It won’t be a long wait until the two fierce rivals come face-to-face once again in the new Premier League season, with Chelsea taking the trip to Wembley Stadium for the second round of matches.