Spurs determined to secure Dutch star Depay

Tottenham, 9/1 to be top London club this term, are reportedly close to a deal for Dutch World Cup star Memphis Depay. Spurs are expected to have to stump up around £15m for the wing wizard, but a part-exchange deal could be done that involves a fee of £9m plus winger Nacer Chadli.

Chaldi, 25, was also rumoured to be included as part of a potential swap deal for Southampton midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin, and it appears coach Mauricio Pochettino is ready to offload the Belgian and usher in fresh faces.

Depay has previously been linked with a summer switch to Manchester United, with Spurs then seen as outsiders for his signature, following Dutch boss Louis van Gaal’s move to Old Trafford.

Young and technically gifted, Depay is thought to fit the ex-Clockwork Orange coach’s profile and was widely tipped to be one of his first Red Devils recruits. However, following Van Gaal’s implementation of a 3-4-1-2 formation, deploying wing backs instead of wide midfielders, and using just two forwards up front, it appears Spurs have sped ahead in the race for his services.

After impressing under Van Gaal at the World Cup, making four appearances and netting two goals, including a scintillating effort against Chile, 20-year-old Depay has understandably become hot property.

Current PSV coach Phillip Cocu is believed to have recommended that the fleet-footed winger remain in the Eredivisie for one more season, however it is understood Depay is ready to move on, with the Premier League looking the most likely destination.

Many of Depay’s international teammates, such as Stefan de Vrij and Bruno Martins Indi, have already secured exits from their respective Dutch clubs this summer, and the exciting attacker looks set to be the next to make the step up to a higher level.

Pochettino has already upgraded Spurs’ defence, with deals for former Swansea duo Ben Davies and Michel Vorm, as well as England Under-21 centre back Eric Dier completed, and is now set to turn his attention to attack.

Tottenham lacked spark up front last season, as new signings Erik Lamela and Roberto Soldado struggled to settle in, scoring just 12 goals between them. The White Hart Lane club are also missing a player with the ability to be a consistent match-winner, after Gareth Bale’s departure to Real Madrid, with Spurs failing to adequately replace the Welshman’s threat from the wings.