Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly expressed their interest in signing former Arsenal midfielder Matteo Guendouzi.
Guendouzi has played an important role in Marseille's hunt for Champions League football this season, appearing in 31 of their 35 Ligue 1 games so far this term.
However, Jordan Veretout and Valentin Rongier have provided stiff competition in that area of the pitch, with Guendouzi finding himself starting as a substitute at times during this campaign.
The Daily Mail claims that Spurs are keen on the French international, but there are fears that Aston Villa could pip the North Londoners to his signature.
Guendouzi was banished from the Arsenal side by manager Mikel Arteta during Project Restart following a bust-up with Brighton & Hove Albion players in a Premier League fixture, and would end up being sent to Hertha Berlin and his current club Marseille on loan.
After being ever-present at the Stade Velodrome last season, Guendouzi helped Marseille to a second-placed finish in Ligue 1, and he could do so again this season, with the club just two points behind Lens in the final automatic Champions League qualification spot.
It is believed that Spurs' spending power could hinge on whether Harry Kane remains at the club or not though, so that could scupper their chances of landing the 24-year-old.
Andrew Delaney
