Tottenham Hotspur sporting director Fabio Paratici has now made a unique player swap only offer to sign Roma star Nicolo Zaniolo, and the Serie A giants have already replied.

The Lowdown: Spurs heavily linked...

The Italy international has been very heavily linked with a move to Spurs over the last few weeks and there are also reports of talks being held between the Premier League side and Jose Mourinho's men.

Zaniolo finished 21/22 as one of Roma's brightest players, completing more successful take-ons per 90 than any of his teammates, potentially motivating Paratici and manager Antonio Conte to sit up and pay attention.

The Lilywhites allegedly remain in the market for a creative midfield player and Zaniolo may well fit the bill.

The Latest: Paratici makes Zaniolo offer...

Now, according to a report from Italy, Spurs and Paratici have made a genuine offer to try and sign the 23-year-old.

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Newspaper La Repubblica, via GialloRossi.net, claim the north Londoners have tabled both Japhet Tanganga and Tanguy Ndombele in a straight swap deal with 'no cash on the scales'.

However, Roma have refused the proposal, with Mourinho instead asking for Oliver Skipp in exchange - an idea which has been rebuffed by Spurs.

The Verdict: Keep pushing?

With a few weeks remaining of the window, there is still plenty of time for Spurs and Roma to find middle ground in negotiations and come to an agreement which satisfies all parties.

Conte's side should keep pushing for Zaniolo given his fine finish to last season with the tricky ace also drawing more fouls per 90 last season than any Roma player (WhoScored).

The attacker has enjoyed a new lease of life under Mourinho in recent months, highlighting Zaniolo's real quality and backing the opinion of former Juventus full-back Federico Balzaretti - who called him 'special'.