Tottenham transfer news: Spurs identify Michy Batshuayi as alternative to Christian Benteke move as Marseille exodus continues

French side have already lost three key players and Spurs are believed to be weighing up a move for the Belgian striker

Marseille striker Michy Batshuayi (Getty Images)

Tottenham are being linked with a move for Marseille striker Michy Batshuayi after pulling out of the running to land Aston Villa's Christian Benteke due to his expensive release clause, it is being reported.

Spurs were keen on signing Benteke last summer, but having missed out on the striker a year go they renewed their interest only to baulk at the £32.5m that Villa were demanding. Both Manchester United and Liverpool have shown interest in Benteke, and as a result The Mirror claims that Spurs have identified Batshuayi as a potential alternative.

The 21-year-old hails from Belgium, like Benteke, and is seen a suitable partner for current striker Harry Kane in order to help the England striker to share the burden of leading the line this season. With Marseille witnessing a mass exodus this summer following their failure to qualify for the Champions League, Spurs are believed to be confident of landing the Belgium international for a reasonable fee.

Should Batshuayi seal a move to White Hart Lane, he would find himself in good company as the Belgian contingent at Spurs is already a well nourished one. Jan Vertonghen, Mousa Dembele and Nacer Chadli are already on the books, while Belgium defender Toby Alderweireld agreed a move from Atletico Madrid this month having spent last season on loan with Southampton.

Marseille have already seen Andre Ayew, Andre-Pierre Gignac and Dimitri Payet leave the club after the Champions League failure resulted in a number of first-team members facing a significant pay cut, and it’s given hope to Spurs that they won’t face too much difficulty in persuading Batshuayi to move to north London.

Marseille striker Michy Batshuayi (Getty Images)

Spurs are also being linked with a move for Chelsea winger Victor Moses after he rejected the opportunity to return to Stoke following last season’s loan spell.