Moussa Sissoko: Tottenham Leading Hunt for ‘New Mahmadou Diarra’ Ahead of Liverpool & Everton

Tottenham have reportedly stolen a march on both Liverpool and Everton in the chase for young Toulouse midfielder Moussa Sissoko. The news of Premier League interest is hardly surprising as 19-year-old Sissoko was a revelation last season for the French club that finished 4th in Lique One.

Tottenham are also strongly linked to Sissoko’s Toulouse and French U21 midfield team-mate Etienne Capoue. Sissoko may be just 19-years-old but stands at 6 ft 1 and is powerfully built. He has been likened to Real Madrid star Mahmadou Diarra for his box to box powerful displays. Everton, Liverpool and Juventus are thought to be monitoring the situation but Spurs according to the French press have made an offer.

Sissoko recently extended his contract but it’s unlikely he’ll remain in France. The player spoke sensibly regarding the interest from the Premier League, “I have to learn my trade here.”

“I like the Premier League, but I am in no hurry to get there. There will be time for that in the future.

“At the moment I am trying to do my best in the French top-flight.”

The young star was born in Le Blanc-Mesnil but is of Malian descent. He played for local side US Aulnay and Red Star before moving to Toulouse to join their U14 side. His quality was there to see despite his young age and the club fought off interest from a number of clubs to sign the player on a professional contract in January 2007.

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Sissoko broke into the Toulouse first team in 2007/08 making his league debut as a substitute in a 3-1 loss to Valenciennes in August 2007. That same month, the combative midfielder made his European debut in a 1-0 home Champions League qualifying loss to Liverpool. He played just 7 minutes but was booked in that time. Despite his age, Sissoko made 30 league appearances that season (22 starts) as Toulouse escaped relegation by just one place.

Last season Sissoko continued his rise with 35 league appearances (24 starts), scoring 4 times. He also became a regular in the French U21 side making 12 impressive performances. He scored his only goal at this level in France’s 2-0 friendly win in England back in March where he was heavily scouted.

Tottenham will be encouraged by comments from the payer earlier last season, “It is good to be watched by scouts,” Sissoko told skysports.com.

“I love the Premier League. It is the best league in the world. The stadiums are always full and I believe my game would be suited to the English style as I like the physical aspects of it.

“But, it is up to Toulouse. I am happy here and I am still learning. If they think it is time for me to move on then I will, but at the moment my desire is to play for Toulouse and keep on proving myself.”

A bid of £5m may be enough to capture the player according to the French media but as interest grows in the impressive starlet, Redknapp will face a tough battle to bring Sissoko to White Hart Lane.

Do you like the look of Sissoko? Are these the type of players Spurs should be targeting? Let’s hear your views.

Tags: Everton, France, Liverpool, Moussa Sissoko, Tottenham, Toulouse

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