According to reports on Turkish media outlet Fotomac, Tottenham Hotspur are ready to launch a €10m (approximately £8.9m) bid for Besiktas midfielder Tolgay Arslan during the January transfer window, but they have been told that they must pay €12m (approximately £10.6m) to get him.

What's the word, then?

Well, Fotomac says that Arslan's impressive performances for the Turkish giants this season have caught the attentions of Spurs, who are ready to make a bid for the 27-year-old.

While the north London outfit are willing to offer £8.9m for the German-born player, Fotomac says they must offer around £10.6m to convince Besiktas' management to sell.

How has Arslan done this season?

The midfielder, who usually plays in the centre but can also play in a holding role, has been in and out of the Besiktas side.

While nine of his 15 appearances in all competitions have come when he has been named in the starting line-up, the other six outings have come from the substitutes' bench – including against Fenerbahce in the Super Lig and RB Leipzig in the Champions League.

Would he be a good signing for Tottenham?

Considering they have the likes of Eric Dier, Victor Wanyama, Mousa Dembele, Harry Winks and Moussa Sissoko that can play in the middle of the park it would be a strange move, but they have also been linked with Barcelona's Andre Gomes in the past who plays in a similar position so you never know.

From that point of view Arslan certainly shouldn't be a priority signing in January, and the fact that he has been in and out of the Besiktas side this season would suggest that he perhaps isn't good enough for Spurs.

What's the verdict, then?

It would certainly be a surprise if this move went through.

Given his age, the fact that he doesn't start every game for Besiktas and the wealth of options that Mauricio Pochettino already has available to him in central midfield, you may well be able to file this one under the 'paper talk' category.

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