Tottenham are expected to announce the transfer of FC Toulouse's Etienne Capoue, pending a medical. The Mail Online believes the deal will cost the north London side £8.6m.

The 24-year-old midfielder was also approached by Premier League newcomers Cardiff City but snubbed them in favour of a move to White Hart Lane. In addition, the Mail believes Spanish club Atlético Madrid were also interested in the player.

Etienne Capoue
Reuters

Capoue was also a rumoured target for Andre Villas-Boas' local rivals Arsenal, who were expected to approach the French midfielder as replacement for Cameroon international Alex Song, who moved to Spanish champions Barcelona last summer.

However, AVB's continuing interest in Capoue reportedly swung the deal in his favour. The France international is a highly rated midfield enforcer, who is also comfortable at centre-back. His possible arrival will be welcome news for Spurs fans, who have seen youngster Steven Caulker move to the Bluebirds and senior defenders Jan Vertonghen and Younes Kaboul struggle with injury.

Meanwhile, the Metro believes Spurs are likely to allow a number of fringe players to leave. The list includes England midfielder Scott Parker, who is unlikely to see much first team action this year, following the arrival of Brazilian midfielder Paulinho, the return from injury of his compatriot Sandro and the potential arrival of Capoue. The same could also be the case for Tom Huddlestone, although he may be retained to provide squad depth and cover in case of injuries and suspensions.

The other half of the club's transfer window has been dominated by talk of Spanish giants Real Madrid bidding for Welsh winger Gareth Bale. The 24-year-old now has a price tag of €100m and Madrid president Florentino Perez has hinted he will not pay it.

Finally, Spurs will face Georgian champions Dinamo Tbilisi in the final play-off round for this season's Europa League group stage. The draw was made on Friday evening in UEFA's headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland.

The first leg will be in Georgia on 22 August and the return is scheduled at the Lane for the following week.

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