Tottenham Hotspur have opened talks in a bid to sign Michy Batshuayi after their scouts watched the Marseilles striker play at the weekend.

Vincent Labrune, the Marseilles president, has previously ruled out selling the 22-year-old until at least the end of the season. Batshuayi - who could join fellow Belgians Mousa Dembélé, Jan Vertonghen, Toby Alderweireld and Nacer Chadli at White Hart Lane - has scored 11 league goals this season after nine in his first campaign at the French club, when he was also the subject of interest from Newcastle United. Spurs had him watched during his side’s 1-1 draw away to Bordeaux on Sunday.

Batshuayi is among the attacking targets being considered by Tottenham, who are looking for reinforcements to provide support to