Spurs to step in late to snatch one of Ligue 1’s prized assets

Harry Redknapp always knew a bargain when he saw one and it seems that some of this talent has rubbed off on Andre Villas-Boas as he prepares a late bid to trump Fenerbahce in the chase of Younes Belhanda.

It was not much more than a year ago that Montpellier were valuing the midfielder in the region of €60m, but it seems that a fifth of that sum will now be enough to encourage them to sell, with relegation more likely in the near future than another assault on the Champions League.

A switch to Fenerbahce had already seemingly been agreed, with Belhanda agreeing personal terms with the Turkish club.

However, indications are that things were progressing a little too quickly for their liking has opened the door to Spurs and reports from France say that a late bid is forecast from Villas-Boas.

Montpellier president Louis Nicollin has stated that he is willing to listen to offers for Belhanda, who will present Villas-Boas with another different option in midfield.

Having started out in a defensive midfield role, Belhanda’s stock has grown since being pushed further forward and he could step into the role off the striker that is currently being occupied by Clint Dempsey.

Having somebody playing slightly ahead of Mousa Dembele who can dribble and unlock defences centrally would be a welcome asset for Villas Boas and Belhanda could be described as a slightly more physical and stronger version of Rafael Van der Vaart.

Meanwhile, he would provide a different dynamic to Lewis Holtby, who comes more from the Barcelona school of letting the ball do the work and keeping play moving quickly.

Four high-class central midfielders would make Spurs serious challengers next season for the Premier League, especially if they can keep hold of Gareth Bale.

But to have any chance of keeping Bale, Spurs must qualify for next season’s Champions League, which they can currently be backed at 23/20 to achieve.

All odds and markets accurate as of publication’s time and date