Tottenham are desperate to land a new attacking midfielder before the impending deadline, having missed out on several targets this summer.
Having failed to land Morgan Gibbs-White and Eberechi Eze, Spurs are interested in signing Morgan Rogers.
However, given how tough it will be to secure him, Tottenham could turn to Leicester City’s Bilal El Kannouss.
Now, the 21-year-old’s immediate future has become a major talking point after the news coming out of Leicester.
Bilal El Khannouss left out of Leicester City squad
El Khannouss may represent an underwhelming acquisition for Spurs, but he may be the only option.
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Thomas Frank has lost James Maddison for six to nine months after he ruptured his ACL in pre-season, and a replacement is needed.
With Eze opting for Arsenal, Crystal Palace require an alternative and are believed to be closing in on El Khannouss.
Indeed, the Moroccan was left out of Leicester’s squad to face Charlton Athletic on Saturday, as he nears an exit from the East Midlands club.
While he appears to be heading to Selhurst Park, there is every chance Spurs could complete a hijack of their own.
However, Dean Ashton, speaking live on talkSPORT (23 August, 11.45 am), has questioned his suitability.
He said: “I think he would be a better fit at Crystal Palace, and I think what they’ve tended to do is look for talent in the Championship and blood them at Premier League level, you know, Wharton, Eze, plenty of others to have done that with, that would definitely suit them.
“I don’t think he would suit Tottenham because that’s what they’ve got on the bench today, which is Tel and Odobert there, their 20-year-olds who need to develop, I don’t think they need another one.”
Thomas Frank does not need Bilal El Khannouss at Tottenham
Given the players Frank already has within his ranks, Spurs do not need to sign another player for the future.
As Ashton referenced, the Lilywhites already have several young forward players who are arguably better prospects.
What the North London club really need is an immediate big-name replacement for Maddison, and El Khannouss is not that yet.
However, with time of the essence, the 21-year-old may end up as the only realistic option for Tottenham.