Tottenham are following the progress of Lille playmaker Sofiane Boufal, who has been described as the natural successor to Eden Hazard.

Hazard’s sparkling form with Lille brought him to the attention of Chelsea three years ago, and he has since established himself as one of the best attacking players in Europe.

Tottenham were interested in Hazard before he chose to move to Stamford Bridge and Standard Sport understands they have regularly scouted Boufal, 22, who has made eight league appearances for Lille this season, scoring three times.

Boufal’s strengths are his close control, speed and ability to run with the ball. Although his decision-making needs to improve, Lille captain Rio Mavuba can see clear comparisons with Hazard. He said: “He reminds me of Eden when he was playing here. It is striking, he likes the ball, even if he plays too much sometimes. But he is young, you have to let him grow.”

Boufal joined Lille less than a year ago from Angers, who were then playing in Ligue 2, the French equivalent of the Championship. He signed his first professional contract only two years ago but he has already been capped by Morocco at senior level.

Since Paul Mitchell took over as Tottenham’s head of recruitment and analysis last November, Spurs have paid close attention to the French market. They signed Clinton N’Jie from Lyon during the closing days of the summer transfer window, and also bid for Anthony Martial, who eventually joined Manchester United from Monaco for £36million.

The fee for Martial is likely to inflate the French market when clubs are allowed to trade again in January, meaning the £12million offer Spurs were considering for Boufal in August would probably be rejected.

Lille look certain to make a significant profit on the player, who cost only £3million when he joined in January 2015.