According to a Tottenham Hotspur source, speaking to Football Insider, a development has come to light in transfer chief Fabio Paratici's chase to sign Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger.
The Lowdown: Spurs eye Rudiger move...
As the Italian managing director reportedly eyes 'quality players at zero cost' for Spurs boss Antonio Conte, it is believed that London rival centre-half Rudiger is firmly on the agenda.
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This comes amid the German's precarious contract situation at Stamford Bridge with Rudiger free to leave for nothing at the end of 2021/2022 as things stand.
Foreign clubs hold an advantage in the race for Chelsea's star man given they can formally agree pre-contract moves in January but Paratici and Spurs are still contending.
In an update, Football Insider have shared the latest from their N17 sources.
The Latest: Paratici calling...
According to their information, Spurs chief Paratici is 'calling every day' as he keeps in constant contact with Rudiger's camp over a move.
He is apparently a 'top target' with Tottenham 'working on agreeing a deal' this month and it believed that Paratici is heading the club's attempt.
The site also reiterate that he is backed by chairman Daniel Levy who is willing to pay Rudiger 'huge' wages to tempt him into a move across London.
The Verdict: Get it done...
Out of all Tottenham's centre-back targets, the 28-year-old is certainly up there as a real potential coup and landing him for Conte would be a stroke of genius - especially for no transfer fee.
It will be difficult considering the Lilywhites are one of Chelsea's main capital rivals and the presence of overseas suitors in the race complicates matters further.
However, if Spurs can navigate these stumbling blocks, there is little denying he would strengthen Conte's options to no end - with pundit Rio Ferdinand calling Rudiger an 'animal' and comparing him to Man City star Ruben Dias (FIVE via The Metro).
Meanwhile, another former England international in Paul Robinson certainly believes Spurs should move - telling Football Insider the international's capture would be a 'big signing' and a 'big statement'.
In other news: Paratici also sets sights on brand new target as Conte tells Spurs to sign 81-cap 'monster', find out more here.