Tottenham transfer news: Spurs chase Southampton midfielder Victor Wanyama

Southampton state Kenyan enforcer is not for sale

(Getty Images)

Tottenham Hotspur are interested in Southampton's midfield enforcer Victor Wanyama, according to multiple reports.

Southampton are facing another set of raids on their talented, but ever-changing squad, with Sadio Mane also a target for Manchester United.

The Independent understands that the Saints will reject any move for the 23-year-old forward, although Italian striker Graziano Pelle could be available if the right offer was to come in.

According to the Daily Mirror, Wanyama is a target for former Southampton manager Mauricio Pochettino, who was in charge when the Kenyan arrived at the St Mary's from Celtic in 2013.

The centre of midfield has been a bit of a problem area for Spurs in recent seasons, with the club lacking a truly dominant player in the position; Nabil Bentaleb, 20, and Ryan Mason, 24, played the majority of matches last season, while signings like Paulinho, Etienne Capoue and Benhamin Stambouli have failed to impress at White Hart Lane.

Morgan Schneiderlin was a top target for Pochettino before he moved to Manchester United, but at 6ft 2in and a muscular 12st, the 24-year-old Wanyama has proved a dominant defensive midfielder in the last couple of seasons.

Southampton maintain that he is not for sale at any price.

One player who would appreciate the arrival of Wanyama is new Spurs defender Toby Alderweireld, who gave away a penalty against Stoke in the 2-2 draw on Saturday.

"Last season I didn't make one mistake," said the Belgian, who chose to move to Spurs over a return to Southampton. " I want to prove myself here so it feels bad for me to make a mistake in my first home game.

"You have to play better because if you don't play football any more than they can put more pressure on you, get more guys in the box, and it's very difficult to defend every ball.

"At Southampton, Victor Wanyama and Morgan Schneiderlin put good pressure so they didn't have time to put the ball in the box — it makes it easier for defenders."

Speaking last summer Wanyama also lamented the departure of Pochettino, who himself left Southampton for Tottenham.

“I learned a lot from him, he taught me more and that’s why I have grown as a player. There is a big difference compared to when I was at Celtic. He played a big role in my career development," he said. "I wanted him to remain, because he had the passion for the club."