Spurs boss Ramos hopes to bring £8m winger Capel from former club Sevilla

Capel is a left-footed, left-sided player whom Tottenham see as a key component of their rebuilding plans this summer, according to The Independent.

Capel, 20, played under Tottenham manager Juande Ramos at Sevilla and established himself over the course of the Spanish manager's last season at the club.

Diego Capel: Sevilla's left-sided winger would fit perfectly into Juande Ramos' rebuilding plans

Tottenham's left side was a problem last term with Steed Malbranque frequently employed there but Capel, who has been the subject of interest from Arsenal this season, looks a more natural player in the position.

In keeping with their policy of signing young talent who Spurs hope will increase in price, the club want to keep the fee low.

Berbatov: Spurs may have to wait for bidding to start

Competition will be fierce in Spurs' midfield next season with Luka Modric the only certain first-choice selection.

Ramos may have to wait for the anticipated bidding to begin for Berbatov, who they hope to auction off for the greatest profit.

Manchester United's interest is well established, although Spurs had hoped that more bids from around Europe might increase the price of their most valuable asset.

Capel would be the first of Ramos' Sevilla prodigies to join their manager in London and a sure sign that it is Ramos who is dictating transfer policy rather than the director of football, Damien Comolli.

Spurs' outlay last summer on Darren Bent, Younes Kaboul and Kevin Prince Boateng in particular – for a total of around £29m – has not been a success with no sign that the club will be able to sell those players for anything like their purchase price.

Chairman Daniel Levy is keeping a close eye on the acquisition of players this season and even travelled to Croatia in April to tie up the £16.5m deal for Modric personally.

As one of the lowest payers in the Premier League (although they finished 11th last season), Spurs will be counting on the appeal of playing for Ramos to clinch the deal for Capel.

They would not be in a position to outbid Real Madrid for his wages although they do renegotiate young players' contracts regularly if they prove a success.