Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly plotting a move to sign Genclerbirligi midfielder Ousmane Diabate, according to The Daily Mail.
The North London club endured a difficult campaign last term and have made revamping their midfield a clear priority this summer transfer window.
Spurs have already moved quickly to strengthen the engine room, bringing in Mateus Fernandes from West Ham United and Sandro Tonali from Newcastle United.
Despite those two arrivals, manager Roberto De Zerbi is believed to want further reinforcements in the middle of the park heading into the new season.
The Daily Mail reports that Tottenham have identified Diabate as a serious target and could make a concrete approach to secure his services in the coming weeks.
However, Spurs will not have things entirely their own way, as Brentford are also credited with a strong interest in signing the 18-year-old.
Diabate came through Académie SOAR’s youth system before Danish club FC Midtjylland agreed to sign him, with the player joining Genclerbirligi as part of the deal because he had not yet turned 18 at the time.
The teenager took time to adjust to his new surroundings but began featuring regularly for Genclerbirligi during the final weeks of last season in the Turkish Super Lig.
His performances caught the attention of the Guinea national team, for whom Diabate has already made his international debut at senior level.
Standing at 6ft 2in, the defensive midfielder brings physicality and presence to the position, attributes that could complement the players already at De Zerbi’s disposal.
Diabate is still very young and lacks experience at the highest level of the game, meaning Tottenham would need to show patience if they do complete a deal this summer.
Beyond midfield, Spurs have also worked hard to shore up their defence, securing the signings of Andrew Robertson, Marcos Senesi, and Jan Paul van Hecke during the transfer window.
De Zerbi has further strengthened his goalkeeping options by bringing in Martin Dubravka on a free transfer, adding experienced cover between the posts.
Spurs are also said to be planning further business in the attacking department, with the club linked to several forwards as the summer window progresses.