Tottenham consider Valencia ace Geoffrey Kondogbia as replacement for Mousa Dembele
Spurs' Belgian midfielder has been hit with injury problems and has just 18 months left on his deal
TOTTENHAM think they have found Mousa Dembele's long-term successor in Geoffrey Kondogbia, according to reports.
Dembele, 30, has been hit with injury problems and is entering the final 18 months of his contract.
And SkySports claim Valencia loanee Kondogbia, 24, is seen as the ideal replacement.
The Frenchman has been on top form since arriving on a season-long loan from Inter Milan - helping Los Che rise to second in La Liga.
Spurs were chasing Kondogbia while he was at Monaco but he opted for Italy in 2015.
He was a first-team regular until new Inter boss Luciano Spalletti decided to ship him out this summer.
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Spurs could pounce at the end of the season - although Valencia claim they have already agreed a deal, which would drive up the price considerably.
General director Mateu Alemany said: "We have a right to buy at the end of the season and already have an agreement with Kondogbia, should we exercise the option."
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Tottenham already have healthy competition in their engine room and academy star Harry Winks, 21, has thrived since being given more chances.
But Eric Dier has been forced to drop to centre-back with Toby Alderweireld out and the busy festive period will be demanding in Mauricio Pochettino's high-tempo style.
That could force Poch into action in the winter window - especially as Alderweireld may be out until April.