Tottenham target Pape Cheikh Diop is set for Lyon medical ahead of £22.8m switch from La Liga side Celta Vigo

  • Tottenham set to lose out on Pape Cheikh Diop with the midfielder Lyon bound 
  • Spurs lodged an offer of around £10m but have been outbid by the French side
  • Diop is set to arrive in France on Sunday to undergo a medical ahead of his move
  • Mauricio Pochettino is resigned to missing out and will explore other options

Tottenham appear to have lost the race to sign Spain U19 midfielder Pape Cheikh Diop from Celta Vigo. 

Mauricio Pochettino has been a long-time admirer of the 20-year-old and submitted a bid in the region of £10millon ten days ago. 

But now Lyon have jumped ahead and are closing in on securing his signature after bettering their offer.

Tottenham are set to miss out on Spain U19 international midfielder Pape Cheikh Diop

Tottenham are set to miss out on Spain U19 international midfielder Pape Cheikh Diop

Lyon outbid Spurs with an offer of £13.8m plus £9m in add-ons and expect to wrap up the signing over the next 24 hours. 


Diop, whose contract ran until 2021, is due to arrive in France on Sunday ahead of a medical. 

The midfielder, who was born in Senegal, moved to Spain at the age of 14 and has represented Spain at U17 and U19 levels. 

Celta Vigo have accepted an improved offer from Lyon and Diop will have a medical on Sunday

Celta Vigo have accepted an improved offer from Lyon and Diop will have a medical on Sunday

He made 16 La Liga appearances for Vigo last season, scoring once. 

Pochettino was hopeful of adding Diop to his summer acquisitions after confirming the arrivals of Davinson Sanchez and goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga earlier this week. 

But now Tottenham, who are ready to sign Paris St Germain full-back Serge Aurier if he gets clearance to enter the country and for a work permit, are considering other midfield and forward options.