Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas wants chairman Daniel Levy to stump out the £ 12 million needed to sign Ghana prodigy Christian Atsu.

Villas-Boas promoted the skilful winger to the FC Porto first team two seasons ago.

But the Portuguese manager was unable to hand him more playing time the following season when he left to join Chelsea in the summer of 2011.

The Sunday People Newspaper is reporting that Spurs scouts have watched Atsu in Porto’s Champions League matches and the feedback has been excellent.

Atsu has been a big hit in Portuguese football having won the Best Young Player for FC Porto for the 2010/2011 season.

The 20-year-old shone on loan at top-flight side Rio Ave last season and was named Player of the Year.

Atsu’s wizardry and flair have drawn comparison with Argentina and Barcelona ace Lionel Messi.

He has been named in the nominees for the 2012 Golden Boy Award given to the best European footballer under the age of 21.