Tottenham hoping to sign ‘new Pogba’ Bubacar Djalo on the cheap

Premier League top four chances Tottenham (4/1) are reportedly set to swoop for young Portuguese defensive midfielder Bubacar Djalo from Sporting Lisbon in the summer.

The north London side could also land the 18-year-old, who has been likened to Juventus star Paul Pogba, on the cheap, as he is out of contract at the end of the season. They would have to pay a compensation fee, though.

Djalo, who is of Guinea-Bissau origin, is yet to make a first team appearances for Sporting, but has been playing in their Under-19s side, and featured five times in the UEFA Youth League, netting once and getting an assist.

It has been reported that while clubs in Italy are also interested in the teenager, Djalo would prefer a move to England and the Premier League, with Tottenham seemingly making the first move and leading the race.

If the young Portuguese were to make a summer switch to Spurs, he will have to challenge the likes of Paulinho, Mousa Dembele, Benjamin Stambouli, Etienne Capoue and Nabil Bentaleb for a starting place.

Tom Carroll, meanwhile, is still on their books and they have just signed another wonderkid midfielder in Dele Alli from MK Dons.

So, the likelihood is that Mauricio Pochettino would see Djalo as one for the future and could send him out on loan elsewhere.

Djalo already has players such as former Premier League target William Carvalho ahead of him in the Sporting ranks, so has little chance of making a first team appearance this term, as his team chase a Champions League place.

Spurs, meanwhile, are also aiming to take part in Europe’s elite competition next term, and are just three points off the top four, despite recently getting a late draw in the Premier League against West Ham United. They can also qualify for the Champions League by winning the Europa League (25/1) this term.

If Djalo does join Tottenham, he would join compatriots such as Pedro Mendes, Ricardo Rocha and Helder Postiga, who have also represented the club.