Tottenham Hotspur are set to intensify their interest in Napoli midfielder Amadou Diawara, according to reports. The 20-year-old is rated as one of the most promising players in Italy and has been linked with a lot of high-profile European clubs. But it is claimed Tottenham hold the strongest interest in Diawara.

Since joining Napoli from Bologna in 2016, Diawara has been in and out of the team under Maurizio Sarri. This season, the Guinean has played only 14 times for Napoli in Serie A.

Now, Italian news outlet TuttoMercatoWeb suggests that Spurs have identified Diawara as an “ideal investment” and the two clubs are already locked in discussions over a potential summer transfer. Mauricio Pochettino seems to have identified the player as one of his main targets and wants the deal done as soon as possible.

Pochettino has recognised Diawara as the ideal replacement for Mousa Dembele. The Belgian midfielder has been a workhorse for Spurs but his season has been hampered by injuries. Although recent performances show that Dembele is still capable of playing at the top level, there is an urgent need for Pochettino to start planning for the future as Mousa has already entered his 30’s.

Above all, Diawara’s agent, Daniele Piraino, has lifted the lid on the interest from the Premier League.

“There are some Premier League clubs interested, but it’s premature to talk about this,” Piraino told TuttoMercatoWeb.

“It’s not easy to find the right tempo in a match situation if you only play every couple of months, especially considering his role in midfield. As soon as he gets to play more consistently, we’ll see the same world-class player as last season.”

With limited game time this season, it looks as if Diawara is planning to quit Napoli and move to a club where he would get ample opportunities to showcase his talent and skill-set.

At just 20 years of age, the Guinea-born star certainly fits the bill at Tottenham. Diawara is young, talented and hungry to make a mark on the bigger stage.

Going by Poch’s history of blooding youngsters and giving them chances to shine, Diawara won’t hesitate much if Spurs come calling in the summer. The Napoli midfielder is a rough diamond and Pochettino would be the ideal manager to shape him.