Tottenham are in pole position to land highly-rated French midfielder Giannelli Imbula after La Liga outfit Valencia have pulled out of the race according to reports in France [via Metro Sport].
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The 22-year-old is on the radar of a number of European clubs including Inter Milan, and it was revealed via TalkSPORT last week that Los Che had agreed a deal for the Olympique de Marseille man.
Those reports have proven to be premature and it now appears Spurs are in the clear to complete the signing of the midfielder. However, they could still face competition from London rivals Chelsea.
The Blues have been linked with a move for Imbula [via TalkSPORT] in the past as they look to strengthen in that position during the summer in preparation of defending their title next season.
Imbula, who made 37 Ligue 1 appearances last season, has developed a reputation as a tough-tackling defensive midfielder who also has an eye for a pass, as he weighed in with two assists last season.
He would be a welcome addition to the squad at White Hart Lane given the lack of quality defensive-minded midfielders at the club. The tenacious Franco-Congolese star would provide much-needed competition to Ryan Mason and Nabil Bentaleb in the engine room.
A switch to West London would likely result in the youngster finding himself behind Nemanja Matic in the pecking order for a midfield place at Stamford Bridge.
With the likes of Cesc Fabregas, Ramires, John Obi Mikel and Kurt Zouma all options for Jose Mourinho to play in the heart of the midfield, Imbula may think twice about moving only to find his game time limited with the Pensioners.