Report: £12m midfielder likened to Saul Niguez has caught Ange Postecoglou's eye ahead of transfer window

Tottenham Hotspur are one of the Premier League clubs that could benefit the most from the arrival of the January transfer window.

Spurs have endured an injury-plagued campaign, with multiple key players all out as the team struggles to cope with the heavy workload.

With that in mind, Tottenham don’t have long to wait until they can finally bring in some much-needed reinforcements.

Although Spurs’ defence is need of bolstering, there’s also scope to bring in some new midfielders.

And according to GiveMeSport, a versatile 21-year-old midfielder plying his trade in Ligue 1 has caught Ange Postecoglou’s eye.

Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou keen on Lens ace Andy Diouf

The player in question is Lens star Andy Diouf, who has been impressing for the French side this season.

Tottenham have been linked with Diouf in recent weeks and now Postecoglou is said to have taken a liking to the France Under-21 ace.

According to GiveMeSport, Diouf’s versatility has caught Postecoglou’s eye, as he has been playing at No. 8 and No. 10 this season.

Indeed, Lens’ £12million signing from Basel has also played at No. 6 and once even featured at centre-forward, as per Transfermarkt.

And while recruiting a defender is Tottenham’s priority at this stage, they are also keeping their eyes open for a new midfielder to improve their strength in depth.

In addition, Diouf’s age has also made him very appealing to Spurs as they focus on young signings for the future.

Newcastle are also said to be keen on the 6ft 2in talent, and West Ham and Crystal Palace have also been linked with him.

What could Diouf bring to Tottenham?

Jacek Kulig of Football Talent Scout likened Diouf to Saul Niguez and gave him a rating of 8/10 in terms of his potential.

Kulig also said ‘his energy and anticipation sense enable him to cover a lot of ground, press opponents, and start attacks after winning back possession’.

In addition, Diouf ‘possesses high stamina, energy, and the ability to go on lung-bursting runs through the middle of the park’.

He is also ‘able to produce powerful and dangerous runs up field on the counter-attack.’

As per FBRef, the reported Tottenham target is in the 99th percentile for progressive carries per match (3.99) and for successful take-ons (1.97 per match).

The stats website also named John McGinn as the player most similar to Diouf, with Wilson Odobert, Nicolo Barella and Adrien Rabiot also on the list.