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That fee is designed to give a hands-off or pay-up warning to Premier League clubs eyeing the Belgian international.

Dembele, 28, would be Sunderland's dream signing to add creativity and power to their midfield.

And West Ham and even champions Chelsea have been linked with the former Fulham star.

Spurs paid £15m for Dembele when he moved from Craven Cottage three years ago.

And Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy has made it known he still values Dembele at that level.

It was thought that Spurs may be prepared to cash in on him this summer, but manager Mauricio Pochettino insisrs Dembele is still in his plans.

The Tottenham boss used him in a new role on the right side of midfield at Manchester United on the opening day of the season last Saturday.

Dembele originally made his name in Holland at AZ Alkmaar when Old Trafford boss Louis van Gaal was in charge there.

The Spurs midfielder has two years remaining on his White Hart Lane contract.