Tottenham are keen on Hoffenheim midfielder Florian Grillitsch, according to Sky sources.

It is understood Spurs scouts have been watching Grillitsch play at club and international level this season - and they like what they have seen.

The 23-year-old Austria international is also thought to have a release clause in his contract, which has more than two-and-a-half years left to run, of just over £18m.

Mauricio Pochettino could need a new central midfield player this month if Mousa Dembele leaves for China.

Grillitsch's name is thought to be on a list of potential successors to Mousa Dembele, who appears close to a move to the Chinese Super League following an acceptable offer lodged by Beijing Sinobo Guoan earlier this week.

Also on Spurs' list is understood to be Borussia Monchengladbach's Denis Zakaria, who Spurs chief scout Steve Hitchen has continued to track since the Switzerland international's switch to Germany.

According to Sky sources, Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino asked for regular updates on the 22-year-old during his time at Swiss side Young Boys.

Tottenham have been scouting for Dembele's successor for almost two years, and have seen players they admire such as Geoffrey Kondogbia and Matteo Guendouzi sign for other top clubs.

Denis Zakaria (left) of Borussia Monchengladbach is another name on Spurs' list

But they have been monitoring a number of other number-eight-style midfielders, including the likes of Tanguy N'Dombele, Abdoulaye Doucoure, Donny van de Beek, Sander Berge and Morgan Sanson.