According to a report by The Athletic, during recent discussions between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City over Harry Kane, Sky Blues star Riyad Mahrez was mentioned as a possible makeweight.

The Lowdown: Swap deal summer?

Amid financial uncertainty caused by the coronavirus pandemic and diminished matchday revenue, swap deals have been touted as a possible solution for the transfer market this summer.

The lack of funds available at most clubs, including Tottenham, mean the Lilywhites need to adopt a sell-to-buy policy if they're going to secure signings this summer.

As such, amid Manchester City's heavy interest in Kane, there have been numerous reports of City stars being offered to Spurs this summer in a potential sweetener for chairman Daniel Levy.

The Latest: Spurs offered chance to sign Mahrez...

This is now backed by the Athletic, who say that Man City star winger Mahrez was mentioned as a possible makeweight for Kane during recent transfer talks.

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As well as the Algerian, a plethora of Citizens were also touted, with Gabriel Jesus, Bernardo Silva, Raheem Sterling and Aymeric Laporte all allegedly put on the table.

However, as explained by the reliable source, Tottenham were not interested in taking Mahrez or any of the above for Kane with Levy remaining adamant that the 27-year-old isn't for sale.

The Verdict: Surely must reconsider...

Tottenham need a major rebuild this summer, and while losing Kane would be a heavy blow, it would allow them to shore up other weakened positions in the squad.

We believe, if Spurs were to take up the option of a swap deal, Mahrez should definitely be a name considered alongside centre-back Aymeric Laporte and striker Gabriel Jesus.

Mahrez in particular displayed absolutely stunning form over 2020/2021 under Pep Guardiola and played a key role in Man City's run to the Champions League final.

The £120,000-per-week star dazzled over two semi-final legs against Paris-Saint Germain in particular, with figures in the media branding him 'elegant', 'merciless' and an 'underrated genius' (The Guardian).

Guardiola also lavished the 30-year-old as an 'extraordinary player' with 'huge quality' after his heroics against PSG (beIN SPORTS), and it's clear Spurs could do far worse in regards to makeweights for Kane this summer, assuming they would get a hefty chunk of cash too.

Levy must take into account the wishes of Kane to leave and Tottenham's own need to make signings this summer.

In other news: 'Tottenham will'...Alasdair Gold makes encouraging N17 transfer claim, find out more here.