Mauricio Pochettino has responded to suggestions that we are interested in signing Abdoulaye Doucoure from Watford.

Doucuore has become highly-rated and it is perhaps just a matter of time before he leaves Watford to move on to a better opportunity. He is considered by some as one of the best midfielders apart from the top six sides in the Premier League and could even win a place in the French national team that will play in the world cup this summer.

The 25-year-old claimed in an interview that we, Arsenal, as well as Liverpool, were interested in signing him.

He believes that English football fans hold him in higher stead than French fans, saying (quoted by Hertfordshire Mercury):

“There, you are quickly valued compared to France. It’s much better.

“In France, I’m not going to say that I was underrated, but I did good things and we did not talk as much about me. In England, after a few matches, Watford fans saw my talent and the consultants quickly made comparisons about me. And that brought me to light

“In England, if you do good performances for one or two months, you are quickly put forward. And even if you miss a match, they’re not going to tell you that you’re bad. This is especially what surprised me. When I see the image I have there compared to France, when it is only a short time that I am there, it is day and night.

While speaking to French outlet Telefoot (h/t Sky Sports), Doucoure said:

“It’s true that these clubs are interested in me. But I am at Watford and my focus is on finishing the season well and to maintain their Premier League status.”

With Mousa Dembele set to turn 31-years-old soon and seemingly past his prime, it is likely that Spurs could look to buy a new midfielder.

Speaking on Friday, however, Pochettino refused to confirm or deny whether they are interested in buying Doucoure and said (as quoted by Football.london):

“I don’t know if the player says that or not. You know it’s a lot of rumours, many, many things happen around a football club like Tottenham. I cannot say anything about rumours.”

Doucoure is rated at around £40million, which represents a bargain in today’s market. Though he’s only had one good season in England so far, if a chance presents itself, we should sign Doucoure as he seems like a quality player.