Toulouse president Olivier Sadran has confirmed midfielder Etienne Capoue is all set to sign for Tottenham Hotspur.

The France international operates mainly as an anchorman but can also slot in at centre-back. The 25-year-old, who was previously a target for Arsenal and Everton, scored seven goals in 34 Ligue 1 appearances last season, garnering attention from a host of European clubs.

Newly promoted Cardiff City had a bid for Capoue accepted by Toulouse, only for the deal to fall through. La Liga side Atletico Madrid were also credited with an interest in the player but Spurs boss Andre Villas-Boas now appears to have stolen a march on all the other potential suitors.

When asked about Capoue's potential move to Tottenham, Sadran, said: "He will go there." The midfielder has also won five senior international caps for France, after breaking into the team last season. ESPN claims the midfielder will cost Tottenham £11m.

Etienne Capoue
Reuters

Capoue will be Spurs' fourth signing this summer if the deal goes through, following the arrivals of Brazilian midfielder Paulinho, Belgian winger Nacer Chadli and Spanish striker Roberto Soldado earlier in the window.

With Paulinho and Capoue joining the ranks at White Hart Lane for the new season, Scott Parker and Tom Huddlestone's days at the club seem to be numbered.

Meanwhile, Cardiff had indeed come very close to landing Capoue. Bluebirds manager Malky Mackay had earlier stated they had agreed on a fee with Toulouse and were preparing for negotiations the player's, ahead of a potential move.

"Ourselves and Toulouse have come to an agreement. We've got to then have the conversation with Etienne and his advisors, they've been very professional in terms of what they're talking about as well," Mackay had said.

"We've been in constant dialogue with them in the last week and Toulouse have been excellent to deal with. It's pretty delicate at the moment. We're in discussions and negotiations but it's something that's ongoing," the Cardiff coach added.