White Hart Lane side set to open bidding for DW Stadium youngster.
Tottenham are reportedly leading the race to sign Wigan Athletic youngster James McCarthy according to the Sunday Times.
Andre Villas-Boas is said to be a big admirer of the 22 year old Republic of Ireland international, perhaps seeing the Latics battler as a natural replacement for Scott Parker, who is said to be set for a White Hart Lane exit this summer.
Having suffered relegation to the Championship and seen boss Roberto Martinez flee to Everton there is perhaps a very real chance that chairman Dave Whelan will have his work cut out keeping the nucleus of his FA Cup winning side together and with that in mind a £20m price tag has been slapped on McCarthy.
It is extremely unlikely that Tottenham would fork out such a fee but there is every chance that any offer in excess of half that valuation would be accepted, especially if the former Hamilton Academicals man were to make a transfer request.
McCarthy has impressed during his four seasons at the DW Stadium and the midfielder would certainly be tempted by a move to the North London club, especially knowing that Villas-Boas is a manager well known for trusting to youth.