CBS Sports journalist Ben Jacobs has shared an update on Tottenham Hotspur's chances of signing Roma forward Nicolo Zaniolo.

The Lowdown: Spurs submit loan bid for Zaniolo

After renewing their interest in the Italy international, Spurs reportedly lodged a loan bid with an obligation to buy, which was rejected by the Serie A club.

Sky Sports shared that information with numerous updates coming out since, including talks with Zaniolo's agent as the north Londoners attempt to beat capital rivals West Ham to his signature.

The 23-year-old was also offered out to Paris-Saint Germain as Jose Mourinho and Roma attempt to offload him before the January window closes.

The Latest: Zaniolo signing 'very possible' at Spurs...

Jacobs took to Twitter to claim that the signing of Zaniolo at Spurs is 'very possible', as Mourinho is 'happy' to sanction his sale this month.

He adds that there are 'talks ongoing' over the attacker's signature, although no agreement has been reached just yet, coming after strong summer interest.

Spurs manager Antonio Conte is thought to view Zaniolo as a highly versatile player who can operate further forward and as a wing-back when required.

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The Verdict: Right man?

Going by Zaniolo's statistics last season, when he was arguably at his best, it's clear to see why Conte could view the 23-year-old as a solid makeshift wing-back option.

As per WhoScored, the forward averaged a higher rate of successful take-ons and attracted more fouls per 90 than any Roma player in 2021/22. The latter aspect of his game could even help to drag Spurs further up the pitch and relieve pressure, akin to someone like Jack Grealish, the fourth-most fouled player in the Premier League per match (2.4).

The fact that he racked up Roma's highest rate of successful take-ons last season indicates that, at wing-back, he could provide a dynamic presence and more creativity out wide than that of current first-choice Emerson Royal.

Indeed, he could not only come as a further attacking option, but perhaps even an alternative to fellow target Pedro Porro at right wing-back, although Spurs supporters would most likely want both players to come in.