Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly been dealt a blow to their hopes of securing a move for Ruslan Malinovskyi.
The Lowdown: Spurs linked with Malinovskyi
Spurs have been linked with the Atalanta midfielder in recent weeks ahead of the upcoming January transfer window.
Across 142 appearances for the Serie A club, the Ukrainian has scored 30 goals and delivered 28 assists in the process.
As the winter market approaches, though, it appears that some behind-the-scenes issues may have dealt Spurs a significant blow to their hopes of signing the midfielder.
The Latest: Spurs dealt Malinovskyi transfer blow
According to a recent report from Il Giorno, Spurs' chances of securing a deal for Malinovskyi have taken a blow due to Fabio Paratici's reported involvement in the investigation surrounding Juventus and their market operations over the last few years.
The report adds that fellow Premier League side West Ham United and Ligue 1 outfit Marseille both have an interest in signing the Atalanta ace.
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The Verdict: A worry for Spurs
Last month, it was reported that Paratici is among six people under investigation as part of a probe into alleged financial corruption at Juventus, with the transfer of Cristian Romero from Juventus to Atalanta being part of the probe.
If this investigation is likely to scupper Spurs' chances of sealing a deal with Atalanta for Malinovskyi, who has been hailed for his "unreal" shooting ability in the past by journalist Carlo Garganese, it may well be the north London club's best option to play it safe and walk away.
Bearing in mind how only two players at the Serie A club have taken more shots at goal in the league this season than the Ukrainian (19), and with just two players making more progressive passes than him (41), this highlights the sort of player that Spurs could be missing out on in January.
Overall, with Paratici involved in the investigation surrounding Juventus, this could be a worry for Spurs and his efforts in potentially seeing new players come to the club in January.