Tottenham Hotspur are thought to have held an interest in AS Roma's Nicolo Zaniolo for some time now and things appear to be escalating forward a little quicker now we are into the summer and the midst of the transfer window.

Towards the end of April, Spurs were linked with a move for the dynamic midfielder by Tuttosport, who at the time claimed they would be making a bid for him imminently - although it would appear that nothing of the sort actually happened.

However, the same media publication (via Sport Witness) are now running with the same story once again but are claiming Roma may have to sell him on the 'cheap' as they face potential consequences due to breaching the dreaded Financial Fair Play rules.

Juventus are also thought to be interested and are believed to hold an advantage over Spurs in the race for Zaniolo's signature, however, Mauricio Pochettino must look to do all he can to bring him to north London as there is every reason he could potentially be exactly what Tottenham need moving forward.

Despite being just 19-years-old, the midfielder has shown plenty of promise over the last 12 months and might have emerged as one of the top talents within European football.

He is a remarkably exciting player and one who may certainly thrive under the guidance of Pochettino if given the chance. Perhaps he could follow in the footsteps of Harry Kane, Dele Alli, Harry Winks and many others who have excelled under the Argentine's guidance over the last few years? He certainly would fit the recruitment model of signing young players that can continue to develop further (Independent).

Zaniolo has become an important member of the Serie A first-team over the course of the campaign and has shown he has plenty to offer in the final third of the pitch. Having netted four times and helped to create a further two goals for his team-mates in Italy's top-flight, the teenager has already shown what he can offer with the ball at his feet.

According to his stats compiled by WhoScored, the £36million-rated (Transfermarkt) midfielder produced 1.8 shots per game (ranking third in the whole team), 0.7 key passes and completed an average of 1.5 dribbles per game (second most), whilst his passing skills were rather strong as well. An 81.3% pass completion with an average of 20.1 attempts per game would surely suit the type of football Pochettino likes his side to play.

Zaniolo could also be the answer for Tottenham should Christian Eriksen decide to leave this summer. The Dane went on record to say he could look for a 'new challenge' amid rumours regarding Real Madrid (Ekstra Bladet), however, he remains at the club for the time being.

The Italian is of the same mould as the current maestro and could be the ideal candidate to replace Eriksen if required. Admittedly, he is still a diamond in the rough, however, with the right guidance, perhaps he will become a better player than the 'wantaway' playmaker in the future.

Whether Spurs decide to act on the troubles that Roma find themselves in remains to be seen, however, if they do, then maybe Pochettino and Tottenham will have an exceptional player on their hands that could provide them with exactly what they want.

Tottenham fans, do you think Zaniolo would be able to provide you with what the club needs moving forward? Let us know your thoughts below!