Reports from The Sun indicate that Tottenham Hotspur have joined the race to sign Turkish side Fenerbahce player Oguz Kagan Guctekin. The 18-year-old defensive midfielder is one of the hottest prospects of this transfer window with Manchester City and Arsenal also keen on recruiting him.

The youngster is yet to make a first-team appearance for the club but his promotion to the senior side this season means that it is on the horizon. And still so much interest in the player? That should tell a lot about his potential.

The club president Aziz Yildirim has already indicated that the Turkish club have turned down a £4.5million offer from Manchester City to take him to the Etihad Stadium. Yildrim said (as quoted by Sun):

“Manchester City have made a €5m (£4.5m) offer for him. We turned down the offer.

“We gave assurances that he will play this season, do not be surprised to see him in the starting XI as a number eight.”

Apparently, the youngster has been promised a path to the first-team at the club if he stays in Turkey, and that could prove to be a hindrance for all the chasing sides.

Guctekin is a product of the Fenerbahce system and has risen through the ranks consistently. While he primarily plays as a holding midfielder, he can also operate in the defence as a left-back and as a centre-back. Such versatility from the youngster is one of the reasons why he is so highly rated.

He has already represented Turkey at all age groups up to the Under-19s and is earmarked as a potential senior team superstar. In an inflated market, getting a player of his potential for such low value represents a coup if it can be achieved.

But, what are the chances of landing Guctekin? The Turkish side will take a lot more coaxing to get the player as indicated by their rejection of City’s offer. Also, the youngster would be looking at regular first-team action as he looks to develop his game.

If he ends up at Tottenham, at least initially, he would be played with the reserves. A lot would depend on how quickly he can develop but he would surely not be a first-team regular initially.

Tottenham under Pochettino have a great record with young players and Guctkein definitely fits the bill. However, he is yet to play a single game for the senior team in Turkey as well. So, is this interest real and practical? I doubt it.