As per a report in the paper edition of La Gazzetta dello Sport (via Get Italian Football News), a major Tottenham Hotspur transfer claim has emerged involving Franck Kessie.

The Lowdown: Spurs eye Kessie swoop...

Even before the mass transfer hysteria brought on by Antonio Conte's arrival at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Lilywhites managing director Fabio Paratici has long been linked with a move for the AC Milan star.

Calciomercato lifted the lid on an approach from Spurs all the way back in mid-September, with the Italian source believing that they had even submitted an offer to the player and his entourage to sign him as a free agent next summer.

Kessie's current deal at the San Siro expires in 2022 akin to a few of Tottenham's other reported targets from continent, like Alessio Romagnoli for instance, which makes sense given Paratici's reputation for grabbing bargain deals and loans.

Spurs could snag these big Serie A names for nothing as Paratici seemingly eyes a plethora of bargain free deals at N17, and now a major update has emerged involving Kessie which could excite Spurs fans.

The Latest: Very advanced talks; Conte involved

As per La Gazzetta, as relayed by Get Italian Football News, Tottenham are now in 'very advanced talks' to sign Kessie on a free deal next summer from Milan.

Indeed, negotiations between the player's representatives and Spurs are apparently at a crucial stage and the 24-year-old is eyeing a move away from Italy on a free transfer.

It is also believed that Spurs and Paratici can now meet the Ivorian's €8 million per season (£6.7m) wage demands and Conte himself is expected to personally try and convince Kessie to make the move.

The Verdict: Exciting claim...

Given Kessie's obvious quality, this rumour that Spurs talks to sign their target are now at a 'very advanced' stage should come as a breath of fresh air.

Arguably the second-best piece of news this week after Conte's confirmed arrival, the Ivory Coast star would undoubtedly strengthen Conte's midfield and provide real depth alongside the likes of Oliver Skipp and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg.

Lauded as an ‘extraordinary’ player by sports writer and broadcaster Nicky Bandini to ESPN, landing the £49.5 million-rated player on a free deal would be Paratici's biggest transfer coup yet given that valuation.

A well-rounded defensive midfield monster, Kessie scored an impressive 13 goals whilst assisting four of his teammates last season (WhoScored), all the while managing 1.4 tackles and 1.2 interceptions per game in Serie A.

Bagging two strikes so far this campaign in seven Serie A starts, he has continued that proficiency in front of goal whilst averaging an impressive 90.% pass accuracy - more than any Tottenham regular this season (WhoScored).

Making Kessie the first signing of the Conte era would be some show of ambition from the Lilywhites.

In other news: Conte now eyeing 'huge' signing likened to Suarez as he makes £237m demand, find out more here.