Report: Tottenham Hotspur still hope to sign Zenit midfielder Axel Witsel

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly still hopeful to sign Zenit St Petersburg midfielder Axel Witsel before the transfer deadline.

Spurs were believed to be willing to pay around £17m for the Belgian international, but according to the London Evening Standard Zenit are holding out for a fee of £25m.

Mauricio Pochettino is keen to strengthen his midfield and with Southampton unwilling to sell Victor Wanyama, the Tottenham boss has turned his attention to Witsel.

The 26-year-old is understood to have been expecting to stay in Russia until the window re-opens in January, but Spurs are continuing to explore their options until the deadline at 6pm tonight.

Witsel made 39 appearances in all competitions for Zenit last season, scoring six goals.