Tottenham Hotspur are competing with a number of Champions League clubs to sign Franck Kessie on a free transfer next summer.

The Lowdown: Contract running down

Kessie's contract at AC Milan expires in the summer of 2022, and there are 'growing concerns' that he could well leave the San Siro as a free agent.

His agent has recently warned that the central midfield player needs a contract that is 'up to his standards', suggesting that what Milan have offered so far is simply not enough.

The Latest: Tottenham 'ready'

As per Italian football journalist Daniele Longo, there 'isn't a chance' that Kessie will leave in the January window, but there are '75% chances' that he will not extend his current deal at Milan.

As such, Spurs, as well as Barcelona, PSG and Manchester United, 'are all ready' to sign him for free next summer.

The Verdict: No-brainer

It is certainly a no-brainer to sign Kessie, who is currently rated at £49.5m on Transfermarkt, on a free, providing Fabio Paratici can sell him on the project in north London of course.

Described as 'devastating' and likened to Manchester City and Premier League legend Yaya Toure by former AC Milan great Antonio Cassano back in March (Bobo TV via Milan Live), the Ivory Coast international would certainly elevate the quality in Nuno Espirito Santo's midfield, scoring 14 times from midfield last season.

At 24 years of age, he still has so much potential left to fulfil, and would come with an incredible potential for profit in the future should the Lilywhites be able to capture him for free.

In other news, find out which 'really exciting' star THFC have contacted here!