Tottenham Hotspur could be beaten to the Frenchman’s signing by their former player and coach Chris Hughton, the Brighton & Hove Albion manager.

Tottenham Hotspur are one of several high profile clubs set to miss out on the signing of Batista Mendy to Brighton & Hove Albion, according to Foot Mercato.
The teenage centre-back appears to be on his way out of Nantes, and is said to be ‘very close’ to a pre-contract agreement with Brighton – despite alleged interest from Tottenham, Chelsea and Real Madrid.
Spurs, though, could exact a swift revenge – should Mendy’s move to the Amex Stadium go ahead.
According to the Sun, Mauricio Pochettino’s team are monitoring one of Brighton’s current centre-backs, Ben White, after he too turned down a new contract with his current employers.

The Argus reported last week that Brighton are keen to extend White’s deal, which expires at the end of next season.
However, they may be inclined to sell the 20-year-old a year early if Mendy arrives in the meantime. And Tottenham could always play the long game if not.
The only problem Spurs may face, however, is that Liverpool are also said to have shown an interest – which means they could still go empty handed.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
