Etienne Capoue
Etienne Capoue Reuters

Prestigious agent Mino Raiola has reportedly travelled to London to convince Tottenham representatives to let Ettiene Capoue move to Napoli just six months after his arrival to North London.

The Italian side have made their interest in the France international clear and recent reports claimed that last week they tabled a £9m bid to secure his services.

However, it is understood that Tim Sherwood's side have blocked the deal and are demanding more than £12m and according to Italian Newspaper Il Corriere Dello Sport Napoli has sent Raiola to London this Monday in order to complete the deal.

Rafa Benitez's side have already been knocked back in their attempts to sign Lyon captain Maxime Gonalons and now the former Liverpool and Chelsea manager considers Capoue his preferred choice to strengthen his midfield.

Tottenham signed Capoue last summer after paying Toulouse £9m to secure his services but the 25-years-old has struggled to secure regular first team opportunities during the first part of the season – especially since Sherwood's arrival.

The French international has made only eight appearances in the league this season and with the World Cup on the horizon he is hoping to move away soon to ensure more first team opportunities and make the trip to Brazil.

Capoue's agent Martha Fischer recently complained about Tottenham's attitude, claiming they were demanding too much money for a player who has had very few opportunities since his summer arrival.

"The problem is not the player or Napoli – Tottenham just want a lot of money. What they're asking for is absurd. But we are only on January 21, and there is still hope."

Since the sacking of Andre Villas-Boas, Capoue has featured in only two matches and even youngster Nabil Bentaleb is currently ahead of him in the manager's pecking order.