Tottenham transfer news: Spurs confident of signing Michy Batshuayi despite West Ham interest - reports

Spurs have been long-term admirers of the Belgian international who has scored 21 goals in 46 appearances

Samuel Stevens
Wednesday 17 February 2016 10:23 GMT
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Tottenham Hotspur are locked in a battle with West Ham United to sign Marseille striker Michy Batshuayi, according to reports.

The title-chasing Spurs have been long-term admirers of the Belgian international who has scored 21 goals in 46 appearances for the Ligue 1 club. According to the Daily Mirror, Mauricio Pochettino is growingly increasingly confident of beating West Ham to his signature as their bid to secure Champions League football continues in earnest.

The Hammers have their own reasons to be positive, however, with the success of Dimitri Payet acting as a beacon to other players in the French league to join the 28-year-old in Slaven Bilic’s side. The east London outfit are planning a series of high-profile deals to herald their new era at the Olympic Stadium in the summer.

Marseille have until recently been stubborn to sell their prized asset but both Spurs have West Ham are believed to have expressed their desire to break the bank to secure his services at the end of the current campaign.

Batshuayi, who signed a new deal at Marseille running until 2020, has also attracted the interest of Stoke City who were rumoured to have made a £21m offer in the final days of the recent winter transfer window.

Meanwhile, former Tottenham captain Gary Mabbutt believes Pochettino will reject any advances from Manchester United and Chelsea.

“I am convinced he would turn down any advances from Manchester United or Chelsea,” said Mabbutt, speaking in advance of the London Football Awards.

“I'm sure he sees this squad of players and what is happening at Tottenham on and off the field and realises these are very exciting times for the club.

“Those people saying he might get tempted away, I would say to them when was the last time Totttenham had a very good chance of winning the title?

“Probably 50 years ago. We came third in the league during my time but this side now has that ability to do it, not just this year, but for years to come.”

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