Spurs Target Belgian Midfielder as Modric Nears Spain Move

Tottenham boss Andre Villas-Boas is reportedly considering a move for Fulham midfielder Moussa Dembele, amid speculation that the club has reached an agreement with Spanish champions Real Madrid to transfer Croatian playmaker Luka Modric.

The 25-year-old Dembele has less than a year left on his contract with the Cottagers, and has been linked with moves to Chelsea and Manchester United in the past. The Belgian international made 35 league appearances for Fulham last season and played a key role in the west London club's ninth place finish.

AVB is reportedly resigned to losing Modric and has identified Dembele as his top replacement option, the Daily Mirror reports. Spurs were earlier believed to be targeting FC Porto midfielder Joao Moutinho, but have pulled out. The report also claims that Spurs are still tracking Swansea City midfielder Joe Allen. The Welsh international, currently with Team GB for the men's Olympic football event, has been heavily linked with a move to Liverpool this season, where he would rejoin former Swansea City boss Brendan Rodgers, who took over at Anfield in June.

Meanwhile, The Sun reports that Spurs and Real Madrid have finally reached agreement over Modric's transfer fee. The newspaper claims that the La Liga champions will pay the Londoners £36m for the Croatian international.

Modric has been linked with a move to the Santiago Bernabeu stadium all summer and was recently fined for refusing to train with the first team and intentionally missing the pre-season tour of the US. The player later apologised to Tottenham, and reported for training on Monday. Modric's arrival in the Spanish capital is expected to signal the departure of Brazilian playmaker Kaka, who has been linked with a move back to AC Milan.

Finally, AVB has spoken out over the striker situation at White Hart Lane. Spurs currently have only Jermain Defoe and 19-year-old Harry Kane as recognised strikers. The proposed permanent move for Togo international Emmanuel Adebayor from Manchester City seems to have hit a roadblock over personal terms. AVB is quoted in The Sun as saying he will look to sign only one more striker, indicating Kane will play a part this season.