Tottenham Hotspur's interest in signing Fiorentina midfielder Nicolo Fagioli this summer is growing, with Corriere dello Sport issuing the latest update on their pursuit.
On the pitch, Tottenham missed the opportunity to move four points clear of the relegation zone with two matches to play, following their draw with Leeds United at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Monday night.
We now know that it will be either West Ham United or Spurs taking the final relegation spot alongside Wolverhampton Wanderers and Burnley, with the likes of Nottingham Forest, Leeds and Crystal Palace now all confirmed to be safe.
Tottenham's advantage over West Ham is effectively three points as things stand due to their superior goal difference, but they will know that if the Irons beat Newcastle on Sunday, and they follow it up by losing to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday, they will be in the drop zone going into the final day.
Nevertheless, the north Londoners need to start making transfer plans if they do remain in the Premier League, with Roberto De Zerbi needing a stronger squad next term to lift the club back up the table.
Roberto De Zerbi Wants Tottenham to Sign Fagioli
According to Corriere dello Sport, via Sport Witness, Tottenham are ready to get serious in their bid to sign Fagioli from Fiorentina.
The outlet has revealed previously that Spurs have made initial contact over a potential summer deal, and now they say their interest in the Italy international is growing.
De Zerbi is said to want to add quality to his midfield ahead of next season, and he sees Fagioli as a player who can help him do that.
While no official offer has been made yet, the report says that ENIC are now preparing to convince the player and club about a move to England.
Fiorentina are said to see the 25-year-old as a key player, but also know they won't be in a position to reject bids if they receive a 'mind-blowing' offer.
Because Fagioli only earns €1.8m per season, the report suggests he could be a player who is easy to tempt with a bigger salary offer.
The Italy international is a versatile operator who can play across the midfield, and he was previously described by Max Allegri as 'the best Italian midfielder'.
Tottenham Set for Midfield Summer Exodus?
Should Tottenham preserve their Premier League status, then De Zerbi has to make some big decisions with his midfield.
He is hardly short of options in that area, amid links to players like Fagioli.
His current preferred starters during the Premier League run-in appear to be Joao Palhinha, Conor Gallagher and Rodrigo Bentancur.
The latter duo are likely to be at Spurs next season, with Gallagher only signing in January, while De Zerbi has publicly declared that he wants to sign Palhinha on a permanent deal from Bayern Munich.
Beyond that trio, he also has Lucas Bergvall, Archie Gray, Yves Bissouma and Pape Matar Sarr to pick from, although Bissouma's contract expires at the end of June and you would assume he will be on his way out.
With James Maddison, Xavi Simons and Dejan Kulusevski also part of the midfield setup, Bissouma surely can't be the only departee if De Zerbi wants to bring in at least one new midfielder.
There are some big decisions to be made then.