Tottenham transfer news: Moussa Sissoko price tag proving problematic as Spurs chase Frenchman

Spurs are poised to bring the Frenchman to White Hart Lane but Newcastle's asking price is proving to be a stumbling point in the deal.

Moussa Sissoko in France (Getty)

Tottenham have offered close to £16m for Moussa Sissoko as they look to bring the Newcastle player to White Hart Lane.

The Frenchman emerged as a late target for the club in the past couple of days but the Magpies are refusing to budge on their £35m valuation.

Some reports have suggested that the Championship side will accept five instalments of £6m for the player but Tottenham allegedly remain unconvinced.

Nonetheless, the 27-year-old has been given permission to leave the France training camp ahead of a possible medical and contract discussion should the two clubs agree to a fee.

Speaking to the BBC, Sissoko recently expressed his desire to leave St James’ Park following Newcastle’s relegation.

"I spent three and a half years here. I gave everything for this club and I want to play some big games,” he said. “For that I need to go somewhere else."

If permitted to join, Sissoko could be one of three players to arrive at the club with attacker Georges-Kevin Nkoudou and goalkeeper Pau Lopez both expected to sign for Spurs.

According to the Evening Standard, Tottenham are willing to let midfielder Tom Carroll leave and it has been suggested that the 24-year-old could be included in a second offer for Sissoko.

Newcastle may struggle to sell the player for £35m, however, with many clubs refusing to meet the fee which they deem too high.

Whether or not the Championship side are deliberately attempting to put potential suitors off, it is likely they would have to drop their asking price considerably if they sought to finalise business ahead of Wednesday night’s deadline.

Tottenham are believed to be reluctant to pay anything over £20m on account of the player’s age.

Mauricio Pochettino had been linked with Wilfried Zaha prior to these developments but was told by Crystal Palace that the winger is not for sale.

Wilfried Zaha in action for the Eagles (Getty)

Although Sissoko is a very different player to Zaha, the Frenchman would offer Pochettino greater cover in the middle of the park, especially following the departure of Nabil Bentaleb and Ryan Mason.

Sissoko could also fill in higher up the field thereby allowing the Tottenham boss to shuffle his squad and introduce rotation.

Pochettino began the summer with his eyes initially fixed on a supporting striker, a defensive midfielder and a quick forward.

Vincent Janssen joined to improve Spurs’ front line while Victor Wanyama arrived to help out in the middle. At this stage, Nkoudou is currently earmarked for the wide attacking role.