Tottenham Hotspur will reportedly step up their pursuit of Roma midfielder Miralem Pjanic, after sorting out Gareth Bale's transfer situation.

The Welshman is expected to join his long-time admirers Real Madrid for a record transfer fee this month. Andre Villas-Boas will look to strengthen his squad with the funds raised from the 24-year-old's sale and, according to talkSPORT, the Portuguese tactician has earmarked the Bosnian as a top target.

Spurs have been monitoring Pjanic for some time now. The playmaker, who was once close to joining Arsenal, notched three goals and six assists from 20 starts in the Serie A last season and has been attracting interest from a host of top European clubs.

Miralem Pjanic
Reuters

Recent reports have credited Barcelona and Paris St Germain (PSG) with an interest in the 23-year-old. Roma will be keen to keep hold of the midfielder but could be forced to listen to offers if the player informs them he wants a move.

Pjanic had last month stated he is happy in Rome and has no issues with spending another season with the Giallorossi. However, the player also admitted that he would consider a transfer, if the club gets a good offer.

"I don't want to leave and the club know that. Perhaps there was interest in me, but my objective has always been very clear. I want to stay here and I arrived at pre-season prepared to help the team and start the championship well," Pjanic said.

"Saying that, you never know what can happen in the transfer market and I don't know the financial situation of the club, but I want to stay and they are aware of my desire. We are talking about it [new contract with Roma], there is a desire there and we'll just have to see what happen," the playmaker added.

Other players understood to be on Villas-Boas' radar include Roma forward Erik Lamela, Ajax playmaker Christian Eriksen, Wigan Athletic winger Callum McManaman, Steaua Bucharest defender Vlad Chiriche and PSG forward Javier Pastore.

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