Tottenham Hotspur could turn to Yves Bissouma after suffering a blow to their chances of sealing a sensational return for Christian Eriksen...

What's the word?

According to LondonWorld, Spurs will renew their interest in the Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder if they cannot bring the Danish playmaker back to Hotspur Way.

Well, as per Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridges, that does appear unlikely in a gutting blow to supporters. He recently told GIVEMESPORT:

"I did the Brentford Q&A awards last Thursday, and he kind of gave me the impression that [Tottenham] is a non-starter."

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It's not the first time that the Seagulls powerhouse has been linked with a switch to north London and after another impressive campaign in the big time, it could be time to make a bid, especially after missing out on Eriksen.

Midfield powerhouse

Spurs have plenty of priorities this off-season, including the additions of a new left-sided centre-back and a stronger right wing-back option. However, with the team in the Champions League next term, then strength in depth will be required.

There won't be many better candidates to add steel to the engine room than Bissouma, who has proven his worth in the big time over the past 18 to 24 months.

As per WhoScored, he ended the 2021/22 campaign as Graham Potter's highest-rated player (with 20 starts or more) on WhoScored, averaging a more than respectable 6.99.

His defensive output was pretty remarkable, having averaged 2.9 tackles and 1.9 interceptions per game, something that exceeded all of Antonio Conte's current squad in the Premier League.

Not even stalwart Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg (2.2 tackles and 1.3 interceptions per game) could match the Mali international's numbers. The Italian head coach would love a player of that calibre, given his work rate and brute strentgh.

It's evident that Bissouma, once lauded as a "wonderful talent" by ex-manager Chris Hughton and a "Champions League level" talent by Potter, is an upgrade on what Spurs currently have in defensive midfield and considering his valuation of £31.5m, he should be a very attainable target indeed.

He may be a vastly different style to Eriksen but if anything, that's a better fit for Conte's current system, where there is no room for a no.10. Bissouma just makes sense, so sporting director Fabio Paratici must look to pounce when the transfer window reopens.

AND in other news, Spurs now eye £54m-rated "phenomenon" after Perisic, he's Conte's dream summer signing...