According to reports by Belgian media outlet Het Nieuwsblad, West Ham United are interested in signing Anderlecht midfielder Leander Dendoncker, who is rated at €25m (approximately £22.1m) according to the club's general manager Herman Van Holsbeeck via DH, before the January transfer window slams shut.

Het Nieuwsblad says that the Belgian outfit's head coach Hein Vanhaezebrouck believes the 22-year-old's future is as a centre-back despite the fact that his preferred position is as a deep-lying midfielder, and it may mean that he looks to leave this month.

The report says that having failed with moves for Marouane Fellaini, Andre Gomes and Joe Allen, Irons boss David Moyes has switched his attentions to the Belgium international as he looks to strengthen his central midfield options.

DH reported on Wednesday that when asked about Dendoncker's potential move to the Hammers this month, Van Holsbeeck said: "If there’s €25m or €30m on the table, it can be done, yes."

Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur still have plenty to play for this season as they look to secure a top-four finish in the Premier League, progress in the FA Cup and try and beat Juventus in the knockout stages of the Champions League, and manager Mauricio Pochettino may be looking to add to his squad before January 31.

If the Argentine wants to improve the spine of his team, then bringing Dendoncker to Wembley could prove to be a shrewd move.

Here are three reasons Tottenham must hijack West Ham’s bid to sign the 22-year-old…

Long-term Dembele replacement

With Dembele turning 31 this year, struggling with injury and for form at times this season and with just 18 months left on his contract, Tottenham need to start looking for a long-term replacement for the Belgium international.

Like the 30-year-old, Dendoncker can play in both a central or defensive midfield role, and the 22-year-old has the ability to forge a strong relationship alongside the likes of Eric Dier, Harry Winks and Victor Wanyama in the middle of the park for Spurs.

His ability

Standing at 6ft 2in tall, Dendoncker is strong and a physical presence in the middle of the park, but he is also good in possession.

According to WhoScored.com, the 22-year-old won 10 tackles and made 15 interceptions, three clearances and five blocks in Anderlecht’s six Champions League group games this season.

He showed his ability on the ball by successfully completing four of the five dribbles he attempted, while he had an overall passing accuracy of 89.6%.

While he is yet to get on the score-sheet so far this term, the Belgium international also showed his potential in the final third by scoring six goals in 57 appearances in all competitions during the previous campaign.

Price tag

Tottenham are always looking for good value players in the transfer market, and they may see some potential in a deal for Dendoncker if they can pick him up for around £22m.

He has made more than 150 appearances for Anderlecht – including many outings in the Champions League – while he looks to have the physical traits and calmness in possession to be a success in the Premier League.

At 22 years of age he has plenty of time to improve and develop, and he could easily go on to become an important player for Spurs over the course of the next few years.

Do you agree, Spurs fans? Let us know below.