Mousa Dembele believes Tottenham will mount an even stronger title challenge next season.

Spurs need at least seven points from their final three matches to have a chance of taking the Premier League crown, although Leicester can claim it on Sunday if they win at Manchester United.

Five more points will ensure Spurs finish second and earn an automatic place in the group stages of next season’s Champions League. But Dembele, one of Tottenham’s best players this term, is already looking ahead to 2016-17.

“Everybody can feel like we’re making a step forward,” said the Belgian. “We’re playing well as a team and we can only do better next year. Next year, the top teams will be stronger but I think we will be stronger as well. You can feel the vibe, there’s a positive future for us.”

Tottenham face Chelsea on Monday seeking their first win at Stamford Bridge since February 1990. The title race could be over by the time that match begins but Dembele told Sky Sports: “We have to believe in it still. It’s not going to be easy and we’re in a different scenario now than we were [before last Monday’s 1-1 draw with West Brom].

“Last week was disappointing. We don’t have it in our own hands, so it’s a bit different. We just need to win these three games, which is not going to be easy. Chelsea, Southampton and Newcastle are good teams who are going to play well. Chelsea away is difficult but we’re positive.”