Tottenham have opened talks for AC Milan midfielder Franck Kessie.

The Daily Express says Tottenham have entered talks with AC Milan over the possibility of signing Kessie before the end of next month.

Antonio Conte has identified the 25-year-old as his number one target for the mid-season window as he looks to strengthen his ranks in time for the business end of the campaign.

Kessie will be able to sign a pre-contract agreement with Spurs from January and negotiations are progressing at a rate of knots.

Manchester United and Arsenal have also been credited with a desire to land the midfielder, but Spurs appear to be in pole position to secure his signature at present.