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Tottenham are still waiting to find out if Toby Alderweireld will extend his contract in North London, and they should do their shopping close to home if the Belgian does leave.

What's the word?

Mauricio Pochettino may just have unearthed another gem with Argentinian centre back Juan Foyth, but he should add to his ranks even further by making a shock move for Issa Diop.

The young Frenchman signed for West Ham this summer, and has far exceeded all expectations.

He is already the most important member of Manuel Pellegrini’s defence, and he could be the perfect replacement if Alderweireld does not renew his contract.

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Just how good is he?

Diop’s rare combination of speed, strength, intelligence and ball-playing ability make him an absolute force to be reckoned with, and a long-term partnership with Davinson Sanchez could make one of the league’s great duos.

Pundits and fans alike have already started putting Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez alongside the Premier League’s greatest centre back pairings, and Sanchez and Diop would certainly give them a run for their money.

Diop is only 21, but has transitioned from Ligue 1 to the fastest league in the world with ease, the mark of a truly exceptional young talent.

He reads the game incredibly well for such a young player, averaging 2.3 tackles, 1.6 interceptions and 1.1 blocks per game.

To put those numbers in perspective, Alderweireld averages 1.2 tackles, one interception and 0.5 blocks in the Premier League this season.

Diop also has the ball-playing ability and composure to play at the very highest level, completing 89 per cent of his passes so far this season.

West Ham fans certainly wouldn’t like it, but a partnership of Diop and Sanchez would strike fear into opposition attacker, and Daniel Levy will simply have to splash the cash Alderweireld does depart.

So, Tottenham fans, do you think Diop would be a good signing? Can you see it happening? Let us know your thoughts by voting in the poll below…