Tottenham Hotspur may have been handed a boost in their pursuit of Atalanta star Ruslan Malinovskyi, according to reports out of Italy.

The Lowdown: Spurs in Malinovskyi hunt...

As per widespread claims, the Premier League club are targeting a move for the Ukraine forward as this summer's transfer window slowly draws to a close.

Sporting director Fabio Paratici has already backed manager Antonio Conte with seven major signings, sealing summer deals for Ivan Perisic, Fraser Forster, Yves Bissouma, Richarlison, Clement Lenglet, Djed Spence and Destiny Udogie.

Reports have suggested that Spurs are in the market for an attacking midfield player, and according to journalist Andrea Losapio, they may have been gifted a boost as they eye a move for Malinovskyi.

The Latest: Losapio shares Tottenham boost...

Taking to social media, the Italian reporter of TUTTOmercatoWEB claims that a deal between Marseille and Atalanta for the 29-year-old has 'collapsed'.

He goes on to say that the Ligue 1 giants are 'particularly annoyed' and that Malinovskyi has his eyes on a move to the Premier League, and Tottenham in particular.

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Losapio stated on Friday:

"The possible exchange between #Atalanta and Olympique Marseille involving Malinovskyi and Under has already collapsed last night. #OM particularly annoyed.

The Ukrainian wants to move to the Premier League, at #Tottenham"

The Verdict: Swoop in?

While Paratici and co seem yet to make a move going by this update, it appears that the door has just swung open for Spurs to hijack this deal and sign Malinovskyi before the transfer deadline.

There is every chance that the 49-cap international would upgrade Spurs' options, with the Ukrainian possessing plenty of experience (340 club career appearances) and quality.

Indeed, he stood out as one of Atalanta's key players last year, ranking in their top five when it comes to attempts at goal, key passes made and successful take-ons per 90 (WhoScored).

Ahead of a long season, with the added workload of Champions League football on top of a congested domestic and World Cup calendar, the more high-quality options that Conte has at his disposal, the better.