Opinion: Tottenham Hotspur should snatch ‘incredible’ Newcastle target in Dele Alli-like deal

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Premier League clubs are interested in Angers star Azzedine Ounahi and Tottenham Hotspur should be one of the clubs chasing his signature.

Ounahi became arguably the defining breakout star of this World Cup in Qatar.

The Angers midfielder was electric in Morocco’s midfield, providing so much energy as well as the ability to dribble past midfielders.

Ounahi was so good that Jose Mourinho even called him ‘absolutely incredible’.

This isn’t even just a World Cup thing either; the only player to complete more successful dribbles in Ligue 1 than Ounahi this season is Lionel Messi.

90Min claim that Newcastle United and West Ham United are just two of the clubs to hold an interest in signing Ounahi.

Other Premier League clubs are joining the race and Tottenham need to be one of them.

Tottenham need the energy Ounahi provides

Tottenham have been seeking a midfielder to carry the ball through midfield ever since Mousa Dembele’s powers started to fade.

Tanguy Ndombele should have been that player but it just never happened for him, and he’s unlikely to play for Tottenham again.

Tottenham now rely on Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Rodrigo Bentancur, Yves Bissouma and Oliver Skipp in midfield.

Bentancur has chipped in with goals this season but Tottenham still miss a ball carrier in midfield who can turn defence into attack and open up attacking opportunities.

Those are areas where Ounahi excels, springing forward with great close control and desire to make something happen.

Angers president Said Chabane has indicated that they are open to selling Ounahi but they would like to have him back on loan for the rest of the season.

That should remind Tottenham fans of the deal for Dele Alli, who signed for Tottenham in January 2015 before staying with MK Dons until the summer.

Tottenham have even been open to such deals under the Fabio Paratici regime, signing Destiny Udogie from Udinese before loaning him back to the Italian club.

Tottenham have worked with this kind of deal before and with Ounahi providing the burst of energy and quality on the ball that Spurs need, Paratici and co should be in this race.