Tottenham transfer news: Vincent Janssen move nears as AZ Alkmaar enter talks with replacement

Tottenham Hotspur would appear to be edging closer to signing AZ Alkmaar striker Vincent Janssen with the Dutch club in talks to sign his replacement.

The Premier League club have seen their opening bid for the 21-year-old striker rejected by AZ, with their offer - believed to be worth £14.9m spread over three years – falling some way short of the valuation.

According to the Daily Telegraph, his club are demanding a fee of £17m. Despite the long-drawn negotiations, AZ are resigned to losing the player who finished as the Eredivisie's top scorer during the 2015-16 season. And while they are still holding out for their full asking price, a replacement in the form of Heracles striker Wout Weghorst is edging closer to joining.

According to Dutch daily De Telegraaf, the 23-year-old is poised to join AZ for a modest €1.5m with his agent Joes Blakborn telling the publication: "We will now engage with AZ and discuss personal terms."

While Tottenham are still to match AZ's valuation, Janssen is eager to seal a move to White Hart Lane. "I have expressed my choice at the club," he was quoted as saying by Sky Sports. "Tottenham Hotspur have made a high bid in my eyes. There has been an offer around €18m (£14.9m), but AZ will not even come to the table.

"I would like somewhere else as soon as possible to start my preparation. This is frustrating. I indicated that I would take the next step and want to get away from the club. They know [this] and are aware of [the situation].

"It's a shame, I would have wished that it would go a little faster. Sure it's fine to train again. AZ is a fantastic club, but I want to make that next step for my development. Ultimately I hope to shake people's hands here and walk out of the door on good terms."

Should Spurs push through a move for Janssen, he will become the club's second signing of the summer following the arrival of Victor Wanyama from Southampton.