1 Hector Moreno in action for Espanyol

Mexico international Hector Moreno has seemingly opened the door to a move to Tottenham after revealing his appreciation for Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino.

Espanyol centre-back Moreno, who was signed by and played under Pochettino during the Argentinian’s spell in charge of the La Liga side, is on Spurs’ wishlist as they look to address their defensive issues.

The 26-year-old has not featured this season having suffered a broken leg during Mexico’s World Cup campaign in Brazil during the summer, but reports in Spain claim Espanyol could look to move him on when the transfer window opens again in January.

And the 57-cap defender has welcomed the interest from north London, revealing his gratitude for Pochettino.

When asked on Catalan TV station TV3 about Pochettino, he said: “I really appreciate him, it was him who pushed for me [when I joined Espanyol in 2011].”

The Mexican was in demand during the summer transfer window – Lazio and Stuttgart were chasing him before his injury, while he has also been linked with Manchester United in recent weeks. Old Trafford boss Louis van Gaal worked with the player during his time as manager of Dutch side AZ Alkmaar.

Moreno, who is rated at £6m, is set his return from injury in the next week and believes January would be the perfect time for Espanyol to cash in on him.

He told TV3: “It has been said many times that the club are looking to sell me – it’s not what I have said, it’s what the president and the people on the board have said. It would be beneficial for Espanyol that I recover and be [available] in the market.”