Tottenham Hotspur spent the majority of their summer transfer window chasing a deal for Jack Grealish after the promising playmaker impressed during Aston Villa's run to the Championship playoff final, but Daniel Levy ultimately refused to meet the Villans asking price. 

The initial reaction from the Spurs faithful was one of disappointment and bewilderment at their club's failure to sign a single player during the window, but Grealish's unconvincing start to the season may have altered their opinion somewhat.

Indeed, Villa have failed to hit the ground running in the Championship and Grealish's lacklustre form has been a standout feature of their overall struggle, but Dean Smith's appointment could be a decision which benefits the 23-year-old.

However, his slow start to the new campaign combined with his decision to extend his contract at Villa Park appears to have diverted Tottenham's interest towards another Championship playmaker, Bradley Dack.

According to a recent report from the London Evening Standard, Tottenham are thought to have watched Dack this season as they begin scouting the market ahead of the January transfer window.

The success of James Maddison at Leicester City so far this season proves that players who thrive in the Championship are capable of making the step up to the Premier League.

However, it must be considered that Maddison is only 21 and Dack is set to turn 25 at the end of the year, so it's unlikely that the jewel in Blackburn's crown is going to emulate the former Norwich star's success if he makes the switch.

Dack has continued where he left off from last season by scoring 8 goals in all-competitions since the Championship campaign kicked off in August, taking his tally to 17 in 2018.

And whilst there is no doubt that Dack would represent a risk for Tottenham, his goal-scoring prowess suggests that he would be a wiser acquisition than Grealish.

Whilst predominantly operating in a number ten role, Dack has proven he is much more than just a goalscorer by providing 5 assists this season, whereas Grealish has provided just 1 assist from 13 fixtures and he is yet to find the back of the net.

Dack is hardly the marquee signing that Tottenham fans will be craving in January after being starved of new recruits in the summer but, in terms of Championship playmakers, he is the best in the business right now.

Tottenham Hotspur fans - thoughts? Let us know below!