Tottenham have made their move for Pape Cheikh Diop although they face strong competition from Lyon for the highly-prized young midfielder from Celta Vigo.

Spurs, yet to make a signing in this summer, trailed Pape Cheikh carefully for months before making an official approach this week.

The delay may prove costly because Lyon have been pushing ahead with plans to complete a deal for a player who has a release clause in his contract close to £25m.

Tottenham have this week made an official approach for Celta Vigo starlet Pape Cheikh Diop

Mauricio Pochettino's side have yet to make a signing this summer, despite losing Kyle Walker

PAPE CHEIKH DIOP Age: 20 Position: Central midfield La Liga apps (16/17): 16 Goals: 1 Advertisement

Mauricio Pochettino adores the 20-year-old and believes he can develop quickly with the physical and technical attributes to thrive in the Premier League.

There are some similarities to Dele Alli in terms of his style and stature at the age he signed for Tottenham from Milton Keynes Dons.

Pape Cheikh was born in Senegal, moving to Spain at the age of 14 and joining the Celta Vigo youth system.

He has represented Spain under 17s and under 19s and made his La Liga debut in December 2015, establishing his place in the first-team squad last season with 27 appearances.

Celta Vigo finished 13th and reached the Europa League semi-finals where they were beaten by Manchester United.

There are similarities to Dele Alli in terms of his style and stature at the age he signed for Spurs

Pape Cheikh signed a contract extension with Celta Vigo which ties him to the club until 2021

Pape Cheikh signed a contract in January which ties him to the club until 2021 but this has not deterred Lyon or Tottenham.

Lyon are searching for long-term successors to Corentin Tolisso, the 23-year-old midfielder sold to Bayern Munich this summer in a deal which could be worth up to £43m.

A move to France has a great appeal for Pape Cheikh as the logical next step in his development.

Lyon are trying to convince him they can offer more game-time than Spurs where he will be expected to compete with Victor Wanyama, Mousa Dembele, Harry Winks and Eric Dier.