This article is part of Football FanCast's Transfer Focus series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent transfer news...

Tottenham have failed in their attempts to sign Ajax's Donny van de Beek, according to De Telegraaf, with the Dutch outlet describing it as a "futile attempt" to secure his signature.

The player himself has also stated he would prefer a move to Real Madrid, per the report.

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The Netherlands international burst onto the European stage last season with a string of impressive performances and key goals in Ajax's journey to the Champions League semi-final, and there is now no shortage of interest.

Real Madrid have targeted the midfielder since the summer but it is Spurs who have also emerged as a possible suitor, while Los Blancos are reportedly willing to pay €55m (£46m) to secure his services.

After selling key players such as Matthijs de Ligt and Frenkie de Jong in the summer it is little surprise that Ajax are holding out for a high price, and that could be enough to deter further interest from the north London outfit.

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Unnecessary addition

While the 22-year-old's ability is clear to see, and evidence by interest from Real Madrid as well as his nomination for the 2019 Ballon d'Or, Spurs should still look elsewhere.

There are a plethora of attacking midfielders currently at the club and even if Christian Eriksen was to leave in January, there is no pressing need for a newcomer.https://www.dailymotion.com/embed/video/x7mazsm

Dele Alli has look rejuvenated since Jose Mourinho came in and is looking more and more like his former self, with three goals and three assists in four games under the new boss.

That means he could once again be vital to Spurs, grabbing goals and assists from attacking midfield, so the last thing he would need is disruption to his game time or a signal that his manager can't place all his trust in him.

As well as that, the signing of Giovani Lo Celso should also act as a concern. The summer signing has played just 257 minutes, mainly due to injury, but the fact he is yet to get up to speed should act as a warning sign over the Ajax star.

He only has experience of playing for one club in one league, and the pace of the Premier League may not suit his style.

As well as Alli, there are other attacking players coming into form, too, which adds to the idea that Spurs are already well-stocked in that area.