ESPN and reliable reporter Rob Dawson have made an overnight Tottenham Hotspur summer transfer claim involving in-demand free agent Jesse Lingard.

The Lowdown: Spurs keeping busy?

The Lilywhites, preparing for manager Antonio Conte's first full Premier League season in charge, have made a flurry of impressive signings so far this summer.

There is still a substantial portion of the window remaining before sporting director Fabio Paratici can call it a day with links emerging to the likes of Memphis Depay and James Maddison.

Indeed, after the acquisitions of Fraser Forster, Ivan Perisic, Yves Bissouma, Clement Lenglet, Richarlison and Djed Spence, the north Londoners could seemingly make more signings before the beginning of the 2022/2023 season.

The Latest: ESPN make overnight Lingard claim...

Now, according to broadcast giant ESPN, it appears Spurs are in contention to sign former Man United attacker Lingard alongside a flurry of other clubs.

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Their journalist Dawson claims Conte's side are battling for his signature alongside West Ham, Everton, Nottingham Forest and sides from the MLS, Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi.

A man in demand, Lingard is expected to make his decision by the weekend.

The Verdict: Wise target?

Pundits like Kevin Phillips have urged Spurs to sign Lingard after previous links with the former Sunderland striker even calling him a potential 'signing of the summer' on a free deal.

A proven top flight player, it's hardly surprising Phillips feels this way given Lingard's phenomenal 2020/2021 loan spell at West Ham, when he bagged nine goals and four assists in 16 appearances.

Landing the 29-year-old could be a snip on a free deal but it appears Tottenham will face plenty of competition for his signature.