Tottenham Hotspur have emerged as surprising contenders to sign Ivan Perisic from Inter Milan this summer, according to reports. 

Jose Mourinho wanted to bring Perisic to Old Trafford during his time in charge of Manchester United but Ed Woodward refused to sanction a deal. Recent reports revealed that the Croatia international is weighing up a move to north London in the summer, amid interest from Mourinho's former club.

Tottenham have held talks with his agent over a potential transfer and it seems a deal could be one step closer to being completed. According to Calciomercato, as per @TranSPURS, Spurs are prepared to offer Erik Lamela in exchange for the Inter Milan midfielder.

Perisic has spent the past season on loan at Bayern Munich, scoring four goals and supplying three assists in the Bundesliga this season, taking 1.9 shots per game (via WhoScored). However, the German giants will not trigger the option to sign the 31-year-old on a permanent basis and he is now considering his options.

The Italian publication claimed that Antonio Conte has no intentions in using the Croatian at the San Siro next season, which has left him in a precarious position.

Mourinho has the answer to his old adversary's problems as the Portuguese wants to take Perisic off his hands. He is willing to offer Lamela in exchange to sweeten the deal, which could be a shrewd piece of business by Daniel Levy.

The Argentine was a firm favourite of former boss Mauricio Pochettino, becoming the club's first-choice winger during his compatriot's reign, but he has struggled for consistency this season.

His output has simply not been up to scratch, especially as the Spurs boss has made it clear that he wants to win trophies.

Clubs are operating in unprecedented circumstances and Mourinho knows that his budget has been severely slashed, so he will have to resort to hunting for bargains, searching for free agents and sorting out swap deals. It is arguably the perfect opportunity for the Portuguese to finally get his man.

Tottenham fans, should Levy sign Ivan Perisic in the summer? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!