Tottenham and West Ham linked with French forward

Tottenham and West Ham are among Premier League clubs interested in French forward Gregoire Defrel, according to Italian website TuttoMercartoWeb.

Southampton and Leicester are also said to be keen on the 26-year-old, who plays for Italian side Sassuolo.

Defrel can play through the middle or on the wing and is among a host of forwards West Ham have been linked with in recent months.

Tottenham have also been linked with Tenerife goalkeeper Carlos Abad.

Spanish newspaper Marca say Spurs are interested in signing Abad after Real Madrid opted against buying him.

Abad, who turns 22 on Wednesday, is set to return to Tenerife after spending two years on loan at Real’s reserve side Castilla.

Real reportedly have an option to sign him for €3m but they decided against activating the clause, prompting speculation about his future.

Marca say Abad’s performances last season attracted the attention of Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino and have also brought interest from clubs in Italy as well as Spain.

Meanwhile, Tottenham are interested in Barcelona’s teenage midfielder Carles Alena, according to the Mail.

The 19-year-old made his first-team debut last season and has yet to agree a new contract with Barca, sparking speculation about his future.

He is said to be considering his options, with Spurs reportedly prepared to offer him a contract should he decide to leave the Nou Camp.