Tottenham propose remarkable swap deal to land Southampton star Victor Wanyama

Boss Mauricio Pochettino wanted Wanyama, 24, in the summer but was disappointed when his former club Southampton refused to sell.

But he remains keen on the Kenyan despite the super form of Dele Alli, 19, and Eric Dier, 21, as he knows he is a specialist defensive midfielder and will continue to develop.

Saints boss Ronald Koeman is reluctant to lose Wanyama but wants a winger to add extra pace to his attack and Spurs are willing to let England ace Townsend, 24, go.

The south coast club failed with a £14million bid for Townsend a year ago.

Spurs would be willing to sell for a similar fee now but would prefer to use him to land Wanyama.

Townsend also has admirers at Newcastle, Bournemouth, Aston Villa and Watford – but those clubs would prefer loan deals.

West Brom are also keen but have a difficult relationship with Spurs after the proposed transfer of Saido Berahino broke down.