Tottenham Hotspur sporting director Fabio Paratici is targeting Sassuolo midfielder Davide Frattesi as reports from Italy share an update.
The Lowdown: Lilywhites display ambition...
In a showcase of real ambition, Spurs and Paratici certainly attempted to back manager Antonio Conte in the summer window after he guided them to a top four Premier League finish last year.
The north Londoners sealed deals for Ivan Perisic, Fraser Forster, Yves Bissouma, Richarlison, Clement Lenglet, Djed Spence, Destiny Udogie and a permanent move for Cristian Romero.
Currently one of only two teams yet to taste defeat in the top flight, with the other being champions Man City, Spurs have managed to make themselves extremely difficult opponents to beat even when not playing at their very best.
As the squad continues to change and evolve, Paratici never stops, and it appears the transfer chief has now set his sights on Frattesi.
The Latest: Paratici eyes Frattesi move...
Indeed, according to reports out of Italy, the 23-year-old is on Spurs' wanted list.
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La Gazzetta dello Sport claim Sassuolo 'held out' on selling Frattesi in the summer window, counting on 'competition from Tottenham' to raise an auction.
The report adds that Paratici has 'certainly not let go' as Tottenham remain very much in the race for his signature.
The Verdict: Get it done?
Called a 'very interesting' player and 'the next big thing' Sassuolo have, Frattesi has also been compared to Italy and Inter Milan superstar Nicolo Barella (Fabrizio Romano).
As per WhoScored, the Azzurri's starlet has continued to shine at the Mapei Stadium this season, already ranking as Sassuolo's second best-performing player by average match rating.
He's also bagged two Serie A goals thus far whilst completing their second-highest rate of successful take-ons per 90 - highlighting the traditional defensive midfielder as a real all-rounder.
Taking all of this into account, it's clear as day why Paratici and Spurs hold a firm interest.