According to an update by Fabrizio Romano (Twitter), Tottenham are ready to let loanee midfielder Gedson Fernandes return to Benfica and Torino have opened talks to sign him on loan - coming after a recent report by TUTTOmercatoWEBB (via Sport Witness) claimed those negotiations were 'advanced'. 

Fernandes has barely featured for Spurs since signing on loan last January, with the Lilywhites handed a past option to permanently seal his transfer at the end of his temporary deal - but these recent reports indicate that is now highly unlikely.

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Fernandes looks likely to leave Spurs

Indeed, claims in Italy first detailed that Fernandes could be on the verge of a north London exit to Torino after a 'surprise' update - with Romano now offering his information and backing up these claims.

The transfer guru, whilst reinforcing the point Torino are indeed in contact over Fernandes, didn't exactly say it could be imminent - but he claims the 'final decision' will be made next week and 'Tottenham are ready' to let him leave, with Torino having 'opened talks'.

Transfer Tavern take

Jose Mourinho is currently having to cope with the dilemma of an overly-inflated squad of foreign players, and Daniel Levy could perhaps be doing the boss and his club a favour by getting one more name off the books.

Tottenham may need to consider offloading more surplus-to-requirements assets, however, if they wish to be active in the transfer market.

In other news: Daniel Levy is eyeing this 6 foot 3 target for Spurs, find out more here.