The agent of Franck Kessie has revealed Tottenham are interested in signing the midfielder, and he could leave AC Milan this summer.

The Lowdown: Spurs prepare for new season

Spurs went through a difficult campaign last term, finishing in seventh place in the Premier League and therefore only qualifying for the Europa Conference League.

Qualification for the new UEFA competition means the Lilywhites must prepare their squad for a gruelling term with travel to some rather unorthodox away days, and so it will be no surprise to see Fabio Paratici target quality depth in this summer's window.

The Latest: Spurs eye Kessie

Speaking to TuttoMercatoWeb, Kessie's agent Massimo Brambati has revealed Spurs' interest in the 24-year-old. He said:

"Having a contract expiring in 2022 with an important player, one of Milan's strengths, is a danger. Here too there is a basic error.

"Now he is the one who has the knife on the side of the handle and can decide what is best for him and not for the club.

"I know that in addition to Inter there are also two Premier (League) teams on him, one is Tottenham. "

The Verdict: Top target

There is no doubt about it - Kessie would be a top signing for Spurs. The 44-time Ivory Coast international has made 184 appearances for Milan, scoring 30 goals and providing 15 assists (Transfermarkt).

He has also been compared to compatriot and former Manchester City star Yaya Toure by Antonio Cassano, who also called him "devastating" (sempremilan.com).

Kessie would set Tottenham back a considerable fee - he is valued at £49.5m (Transfermarkt), but he does only have one year left on his contract, so perhaps there is the chance for Paratici to work some negotiating magic there.

They would also have to beat Inter, last term's Serie A champions, to his services. However, if they were able to capture the central midfielder, he could prove to be an inspired signing.

In other news, Spurs lead the race for this Serie A star striker.