Tottenham are moving to trump Manchester City for midfielder Nir Biton.

The FC Ashdod youngster has been doing preseason at City.

But Tottenham appear to have seized the initiative, after Biton and FC Ashdod owner Jacky Ben-Zaken flew to London to discuss a deal and make sure there were no problems over a work permit, says the Daily Mail.

Though City were considering a loan move for Biton, Ashdod are short of funds and want to negotiate a permanent deal for a player who has been likened to former Arsenal favourite Patrick Vieira for his midfield athleticism.