Tottenham Hotspur have been linked with a move for Southampton ace Mario Lemina.
With question marks over the future of Mousa Dembele, Tottenham Hotspur are expected to be in the market for a new central midfielder this summer – and preferably one with similar athletic traits.
Dembele is out of contract in 2019 and finding his heir may be key this summer, and finding a player who has the drive to carry the ball through midfield is hugely important.
A host of options have already been touted, but reports in France suggest that Mauricio Pochettino is actually lining up a swoop on former club Southampton this summer.
Foot Mercato claim that Spurs – as well as Premier League rivals Everton, Liverpool and West Ham United – are keen on Southampton ace Mario Lemina.
The Gabon international, 24, joined Southampton from Juventus last summer and did show promise in a Saints shirt, making 25 Premier League appearances whilst displaying some of the qualities of Dembele.
Lemina therefore makes sense for Spurs, but Southampton fans have been left split over the rumours surrounding the former Lorient and Marseille man ahead of the summer transfer window.
Some believe that Lemina underwhelmed a little in his first season and has a ‘bad attitude, with some claiming that he would be on his way if Spurs do come in for him, but Everton and West Ham would be sideways moves.
Others think that Southampton need to keep Lemina and shouldn’t sell at any price, instead building the midfield around him under Mark Hughes and looking to help him fulfil his untapped potential.
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