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Who is Celta Vigo’s Pape Diop, the midfielder currently linked with a summer move to Tottenham?
According to reports coming from over the past day, Tottenham are setting their sights on signing young Celta Vigo midfielder Pape Cheikh Diop this summer window.
With the Spanish side currently in England for pre-season friendlies against Brentford and Premier League side Burnley, the believes that scouts from across the top-flight will watch him play.
Although the north London side are yet to submit a formal offer for the 19-year-old, as of yet, it is possible that Tottenham will send someone to Griffin Park on Saturday to keep a close eye on Diop.
Who is Pape Cheikh Diop?
Born in Senegal in 1997, Diop moved to Spain at 14 years of age, and after two years playing for local teams Club Internacional de la Amistad and Montaneros CF, he moved to Celta Vigo’s youth system.
After featuring 21 times for Celta’s ‘B�team he was finally awarded his full first-team debut in December 2015, coming on as a late substitute for Nolito as his side won 1-0 against RCD Espanyol.
Despite dropping back into the ‘B�team for the best part of six months, Diop has been given an extended run of first-team action in the season just gone, making 13 appearances.
He scored his first La Liga goal during a 3-1 win over relegated Granada in November 2016 and continued to catch the eye, being rewarded for solid displays with a contract extension until 2021.
At an international level, Diop has also represented both Spain’s Under-18 and Under-19 team in recent years, helping the latter win the European Under-19 Championship in 2015.
Does he have the promise to succeed at White Hart Lane?
There is certainly a lot of hype surrounding the 19-year-old this summer, with it being said around Spain that Diop has the potential to become the future midfield powerhouse of the national team.
Strong and physical despite his tender years he is the definition of a box-to-box midfielder in the middle of the park, having a level of fitness and stamina that allows him to run effortlessly until the final whistle.
He is an incredibly dogged and determined player, the type that plays with his heart on his sleeve regardless of the match situation, and this attitude could really lift spirits around White Hart Lane.
Although it is highly unlikely that he would be able to knock either Mousa Dembele or Victor Wanyama from their midfield starting roles anytime soon, he is undoubtedly a very highly-rated player that has a big future at the top level if he continues, and Mauricio Pochettino could help his development.
It is well-known that the Argentine has a soft spot for developing good young talent �his work with Harry Winks, Josh Onomah and Cameron Carter-Vickers shows this �and Diop could thrive at Tottenham.
How likely is a move?
After signing a contract extension until 2021 only recently it’s likely that Celta Vigo will play extremely hard to get should any Premier League side come calling, wanting to hold on to Diop.
But Tottenham have the funds to lure him to London after not spending a penny so far, and the Premier League’s reputation itself could play a huge part in persuading the Spaniard to the club.