According to the London Evening Standard, Juventus are continuing to monitor Mousa Dembele's contract situation at Tottenham Hotspur as the Italian giants consider a move for the midfielder at the end of the 2017-18 campaign.

What's the story?

Dembele is currently enjoying his best season in a Tottenham shirt, with the Belgium international receiving widespread praise for his form throughout the campaign.

There is no getting away from the fact that Dembele's Spurs deal will expire next summer, however, and it is understood that the midfielder is not prepared to discuss an extension until after the 2018 World Cup.

According to the London Evening Standard, Juventus have been frustrated by their inability to close a deal for Liverpool midfielder Emre Can, and could now be ready to drop their interest in the German to pursue Dembele.

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It will certainly be a concern for Tottenham as the midfielder prepares to enter the final 12 months of his contract, and Juventus are seemingly becoming increasingly confident of turning Dembele's head by offering a significantly better deal.

How important is Dembele to Spurs?

Dembele joined Tottenham from Fulham in 2012, and was extremely consistent in his first five seasons with the London club without really making a serious impression.

The Belgian has taken his performances to a new level this season, however, with his form throughout the campaign key to Tottenham's success.

Dembele, who is valued at £16.2m by transfermarkt.co.uk, has not actually scored or indeed provided an assist in his 35 club appearances this season, but his contribution from the middle of the park has been so impressive.

There are few players in the Premier League that carry the ball better under pressure, whilst the 30-year-old's use of the ball and positioning has gone from strength to strength over the last 12 months.

Much is made of Harry Kane's importance to Tottenham, but it would be an absolute disaster if the London club failed to keep hold of one of Europe's outstanding midfielders.