Tottenham round-up: Enquiry made for Nice’s Jean-Michael Seri; Kyle Walker talks begin; Leicester’s Demarai Gray targeted

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The Daily Mail have claimed early this morning that Tottenham have enquired about up-and-coming Nice midfielder Jean-Michael Seri ahead of a potential switch to White Hart Lane during the window.

The report alleges that Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino has ‘tested the water’ with the French side and are now considering whether to put in a formal bid for the 25-year-old Ivory Coast international.

It is believed that Italian outfit Roma have already had an offer of £20 million rejected from Nice – who finished third last season – as they are holding out for the £35 million outlined in his release clause.

Seri made 34 appearances for Nice in the league in the season just gone, scoring seven times and earning nine assists, as his side ran both Monaco and PSG close in the race for the Ligue One title.

The Sun claim that Steve Hitchen, Tottenham’s new chief scout, is an expert in spotting talent from France, meaning that Seri might not be the only Ligue One man linked to Spurs during the summer.

Meanwhile, Sky Sports have alleged that talks are set to commence between Tottenham and Manchester City over the next week ahead of Kyle Walker’s proposed move to the Etihad Stadium.

It is understood that a deal for the 26-year-old defender, who is currently away on international duty ahead of Tuesday’s friendly against France, could be set in motion as soon as he returns from Paris.

City manager Pep Guardiola is reportedly adamant that he can secure Walker for little more than £40 million, but Tottenham are in no rush to get rid and could hold out for a fee closer to £50 million.

The Independent broke the news in early May that tensions were rising between Walker and boss Pochettino after his lack of first-team football, with secondary right-back Kieran Trippier preferred for the critical matches against Arsenal in the Premier League and Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-final.

In spite of the stretched relationship with the Argentine, Walker was included in the recently announced PFA team of the year after an exceptional season, helping his side push Chelsea close.

With a handsome fee potentially on its way into Tottenham, with the departure of Walker, the Mirror have suggested that they are setting their sights on young Leicester City winger Demarai Gray.

Reports claim that the North London side have already rejected any interest in his teammates Riyad Mahrez, who handed in a transfer request last month, and are more concerned with the 20-year-old.

It is believed that boss Pochettino has admired Gray for a few years now and sees him as a good long-term investment at Tottenham – although his £22 million release clause could cause a problem.

The Leicester winger signed a four-and-a-half-year deal when he joined the Foxes for £3.5 million in January 2016, and with Mahrez on his way out the club are reluctant to let Gray follow behind him.

This is why the former Premier League champions aren’t budging on a price for Gray, and it seems that negotiations between the two clubs could turn into a stalemate should Spurs pursue their interest.

Featured Image: All rights reserved by Steve McMetha.