Tottenham have made an enquiry about Victor Wanyama but Southampton are reluctant to sell him to the North London club.

Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino is keen to buy a defensive midfielder before the transfer window closes and worked successfully with Wanyama, 24, during his time at Southampton.

Wanyama has two years left on his contract at St Mary’s and is thought to be keen to link up again with Pochettino.

Yet having seen other key figures leave for White Hart Lane in recent times, Southampton will fight as hard as they can to ensure Wanyama does not join the player exodus.

Wanyama’s former midfield partner, Morgan Schneiderlin, was wanted by Spurs last summer and keen to move but Southampton stood firm. The Frenchman joined Manchester United a year later for £24 million and it is thought Saints will demand a similar price for Wanyama.

When Pochettino left, Wanyama said: “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. I wanted him to remain because he had the passion for the club.

“I think the owners should not have let him go because the team can do better next season. It’s a big blow because he had good connection with the players.”

Pochettino took over at Spurs in May 2014, 15 months after he was hired by Southampton. Paul Mitchell followed him in November to become Spurs’ head of recruitment and analysis.

Spurs’ capture of Toby Alderweireld last month makes their task difficult as they bid to sign Wanyama. Southampton wanted to sign Alderweireld permanently from Atletico Madrid for this season following his successful loan period but Spurs beat them to it.

Standard Sport understands Spurs targeted Everton midfielder James McCarthy earlier in the summer but the player signed a new deal at Goodison Park this month.

There has also been interest from Spurs in Real Madrid midfielder Asier Illarramendi, although he wants Champions League football and any deal would be for an initial year’s loan.