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Report: Tottenham scouting 24-year-old – a shrewd move or a gamble?

Tottenham Hotspur manager Jose Mourinho is keeping a close eye on highly-rated Fenerbahce midfielder Ozan Tufan, according to Turkish newspaper Fanatik.

The source claims that Spurs are ready to deploy scouts to watch the 24 year old in the Intercontinental derby against Galatasaray this weekend.

Reported Tottenham target Tufan has started every Super Lig game for Fenerbahce this season and has been one of the few consistent performers.

It has been a disappointing campaign so far with the Istanbul club in sixth position after 22 matches.

The midfielder’s agent Utku Cenikli has told Turkish Football that it is Tufan’s ambition to play for a big European club.

“Ozan has always wanted to play in Europe. He returned to Fenerbahce and felt he had a debt to pay. He wants to leave the club as a player who made Fenerbahce a return. And he does have a €20m release clause which will be his way of giving back.”

Tufan’s agent Utku Cenkili

Tufan has provided five goals and two assists from midfield this season and is a combative box-to-box midfielder, who can provide occasional flair to the team.

A player to improve Mourinho’s Tottenham squad?

The midfield dynamic at Spurs at the moment is somewhat disjointed, with Mourinho not settled on his first-choice pairing in the boiler room.

In truth, Tottenham have not replaced former fan favourite Mousa Dembele, who previously linked defence and attack with aplomb.

With Moussa Sissoko injured and Harry Winks carrying knocks this term, there has been little rhythm in the heart of the Spurs team – something Mourinho will surely look to address in the summer.

Giovani Lo Celso has been asked to play in a deeper role than he is perhaps accustomed to, but has performed admirably in central midfield.

Tufan has impressed for Fenerbahce and has almost amassed 50 international caps for Turkey, despite only being 24.

He could well be an interesting option for Tottenham in the summer but the move from the Super Lig to the Premier League would be a substantial step up.

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