Report suggests Tottenham's Pape Cheikh Diop pursuit could have an adverse effect on Sunderland

Tottenham Hotspur are said to have bid for the Spanish midfielder, and Sunderland may have an eye on proceedings.

Tottenham Hotspur’s pursuit of Celta Vigo midfielder Pape Cheikh Diop could have an adverse effect on Sunderland.

The Daily Mail reports that Tottenham have made a £9 million offer for the 20-year-old, only to be outbid by Lyon.

Rene Krhin (R) of Granada CF competes for the ball with Pape Cheikh Diop (L) of RC Celta de Vigo during the La Liga match between Granada CF and Real Club Celta de Vigo at Estadio Nuevo... Celta’s Pape Cheikh Diop (left)

Diop, though, is said to have his heart set on a move to London, which could convince Spurs to return with an improved proposal.

And should Mauricio Pochettino’s side win the race for the former Spain Under-19 international, Lyon could then turn their attention to Sunderland’s Didier Ndong, according to L’Equipe.

The former Lorient midfielder suffered relegation in his first season at Sunderland, but has begun the new campaign in impressive form as the Mackems seek a return to the Premier League at the first time of asking.

Nevertheless, the prospect of a return to France with Lyon – who will compete in this season’s Europa League – could be hard to ignore for Ndong, and Sunderland fans will hope – no doubt – that Tottenham fall short in their Diop pursuit.

Didier Ndong of Sunderland and Callum Reilly of Bury in action during the Carabao Cup First Round match between Bury and Sunderland at Gigg Lane on August 10, 2017 in Bury, England. Sunderland’s Didier Ndong (left)