Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth, speaking on live TV, has now shared an update on Tottenham Hotspur and their chances of signing Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni.
The Lowdown: Spurs set to be busy...
The signing of Yves Bissouma from fellow Premier League club Brighton sealed a third addition of the summer transfer window for manager Antonio Conte, but it is reliably believed that the Italian has his sights on further deals.
According to The Evening Standard, Spurs and club chief Fabio Paratici are now targeting a right wing-back, striker and central defender as priorities before the start of 2022/23.
Bastoni is one target who has been mentioned to potentially bolster the Lilywhites' defensive options, with Sheth now sharing a live-on-air update on Sky Sports.
The Latest: Sheth shares Bastoni update...
According to the journalist, both Paratici and Conte are still eyeing a move for the 23-year-old, who has been tipped to take the defensive leader mantle for Italy from Azzurri legend Giorgio Chiellini.
However, according to Sheth, the north Londoners may find it harder than ever to seal a deal from Inter.
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He explained (via Football Daily): "Now, we know Tottenham have been interested in Alessandro Bastoni, the Italy international.
"They were in talks with Inter Milan, and I'm sure Antonio Conte, former Inter manager, and Fabio Paratici the sporting director will be well aware of the situation financially Inter find themselves in.
"The fact of the matter is Inter do not want to sell Bastoni, they see him as a central figure in that squad, so at the moment it's looking a bit better now for Inter.
"They're increasingly confident they can keep Bastoni at the club, that's because they're talking to PSG over the possible sale of another one of their central defenders who Tottenham were interested once upon a time as well, that's Milan Skriniar.
"If they manage to do that deal, that's their financial issues until the end of the month sorted, which would mean Bastoni would be able to stay at the club.
"Tottenham are very, very interested. It could be one that is out of Tottenham's hands here."
The Verdict: Potential blow for Spurs...
Depending on how the Skriniar deal develops, Sheth's latest update comes as a potential blow for Spurs and Conte given Bastoni's quality, pedigree and ability to improve the Lilywhites back line.
At 23, he already has a wealth of Serie A and Champions League experience and a trophy haul which includes Euro 2020 with his country. He could also help Spurs in playing the ball out from the back, his 89.6% passing success rate in the Italian top flight last season bettering any of Conte's centre-backs in the Premier League.
Called a 'defensive genius' by Serie A football expert Conor Clancy, his reputation is glowing, leaving little wonder as to why Nerazzurri chairman Steven Zhang reportedly won't let him go for anything less than €70m (£60m).
Indeed, Tottenham may have to start moving for other defensive targets.