Tottenham were said to be eyeing highly-rated Monaco attacker Maghnes Akliouche during the summer transfer window
Monaco starlet Maghnes Akliouche has revealed he was "flattered" to read stories of potential transfer interest from Tottenham during the summer window.
The talented 23-year-old right-winger, who can also operate as a No.10, is understood to have featured during Spurs' internal recruitment discussions, prior to the signing of Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig.
Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain were also speculated to be amongst Akliouche's growing list of admirers but he eventually stayed put with the Ligue 1 outfit.
football.london asked the exciting forward how he reacted to stories regarding Tottenham's reported interest and additionally, whether he would be open to playing in the Premier League in the future.
The Frenchman responded: "I thought it was very flattering to have these kind of stories and links but I'm a Monaco player and I'm playing against Spurs tomorrow, so I will give my best.
"In terms of playing in the Premier League, why not? We will see in the future but tomorrow I will give my all."
Sadly, there will be no Tottenham reunion for Eric Dier tomorrow as the former Spurs fan-favourite, who netted a late penalty to snatch a draw against Manchester City earlier this month, has picked up a hamstring injury.
Newly-appointed boss Sebastien Pocognoli insists the English defender is "upset" - not solely because he cannot play against his former employers but because he's now sidelined through injury.
Pocognoli said: “Actually it was more general disappointment to be injured because I felt that he really wanted to start the journey with me on the weekend.
"He was really upset with the injury. For sure, he misses the game against Tottenham and it can be deeply disappointing for him, but we didn’t discuss about this [whether he was down about missing Tottenham, specifically]."
The Monaco head coach, a recent arrival from Union SG following the sacking od Adu Hutter, was also linked to Tottenham as a teenager during his time at Genk.
He can still remember that period vividly and he also has recollections of playing at White Hart Lane in a 1-0 win for West Bromwich Albion.
Pocognoli explained: “Yeah, it was a long time ago! I think at the same time Monaco was interested but I was 16 or 17 years old, so it was a really, really long time ago. From my playing time, I played once in the old stadium of Tottenham and I think the coach was Mauricio Pochettino.
"I don’t know if Eric played that game? I’m not sure. I played against my former friend and team-mate Nacer Chadli plus Mousa Dembele. It was in the old fashioned stadium, it was a nice atmosphere and I guess we won 1-0. Yeah, my only reminder of this time."