Mousa Dembele has been a brilliant signing for Spurs since his move from Fulham in 2012.
The Belgian has made 180 league appearances for the Lilywhites, transforming from jack of all trades to the master of their midfield, and is now set to seal a move to China for £11million.
There’s no doubting it will be hard for Spurs to replace the 31-year-old, but who are the reported targets for Mauricio Pochettino’s side?
talkSPORT.com has looked at some central midfielders linked to a move to north London.
Florian Grillitsch
One name that has been doing the rounds in the papers is Hoffenheim midfielder Grillitsch.
The Austrian has been watched by Spurs scouts and they have been impressed with his performances for both club and country.
He has made 14 appearances for the Bundesliga side this term, and at just 23, could be a star in the middle of the park for many years to come.
Sky Sports have reported the midfielder has a release clause of £18million in his contract, which still has more than two-and-a-half years left to run.
Denis Zakaria
Another reported Dembele replacement is Borussia Monchengladbach’s Denis Zakaria.
The Swiss international shares similar qualities to Dembele – he is good on the ball and is utilised as a shield in front of the defence for the German outfit.
At just 22 years old he could be a very useful addition to Pochettino’s squad.
Spurs chief scout Steve Hitchen has flown out to watch the midfielder in recent months and a bid could be submitted in the coming weeks.
Tottenham fans will also enjoy the signing as Zakaria reportedly rejected the chance to join Arsenal last season.
Franck Kessie
According to Italian media outlet Corriere dello Sport, Spurs are keen on replacing Dembele with AC Milan midfielder Franck Kessie.
Kessie is currently on a two year loan from Atalanta and AC Milan have an option to buy the midfielder.
The Milan side are interested in doing so but Spurs are seemingly the club who are closest to completing a deal.
A fee of around £36million has been quoted to Tottenham chiefs.
Kessie has made 18 Serie A appearances this season he is no stranger to a goal too, having netted three times for AC Milan.
Tanguy Ndombele
According to the Lyon ace’s agent, Ndombele is likely to be available for £71million, or just under with the right add-ons.
This price is, seemingly, far too steep for Spurs but give Daniel Levy was once willing to shell out £42.5million on the young and inexperienced Davinson Sanchez then he might just get a rare urge to splash the cash.
Tottenham do face competition for the player though with a number of top European clubs wanting his signature, including Everton and Manchester City.
Donny van de Beek
The Ajax sensation you aren’t hearing as much about is still be considered by a host of top clubs, including Tottenham.
Matthijs de Ligt and Frenkie de Jong are getting the headline but Van de Beek is very much a wanted talent and L’Equipe reckon he could cost as little at €20million (£18million).
Paris Saint-Germain are eyeing him as a replacement for Adrien Rabiot but are likely to be challenged all the way by Spurs, who are also casting admiring glances towards his team-mate De Jong.
