Tottenham begin talks to sign Celta Vigo's Pape Cheikh Diop

 

Tottenham have opened talks with Celta Vigo to sign midfielder Pape Cheikh Diop, Sky Sports News understands.

The 20-year-old Spain youth international is an athletic box-to-box midfielder scouted by the club for some time.
Spurs are hoping to conclude a deal for the player by next week - and he would become their first transfer of the summer window.

The club had made Everton's Ross Barkley their top midfield target this summer, but the Toffees have given no indication yet that they will reduce their £50m asking price before the deadline.
Daniel Levy and Mauricio Pochettino began the window relaxed about their plan but, with several targets understood to have fallen through, time is running out for them to strengthen their squad.
They have now made a move for Diop, who was born in Senegal but raised in Spain and made 19 appearances for Celta Vigo last season, only five of which were starts in La Liga.
Diop has 10 caps for Spain's U19 side however and is considered one of the country's most promising prospects.

Sky sources understand Spurs also want to sign a new right-back and a new forward before September 1, and could also add a new young goalkeeper.