Tottenham Hotspur chiefs appear to have been given a major setback in their bid to sign West Ham United star Lucas Paqueta on Sunday - but they've already been proactive, and could end up signing a better alternative than the Brazilian after reported talks for Atalanta star Ademola Lookman.
Paqueta scored the Irons' second goal from the penalty spot in a shock 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon, and having been linked with a move away from the London Stadium, he appeared to signal his intentions during his celebration. Running to the away fans, the midfielder kissed the West Ham badge and made a gesture that any talks surrounding an exit are off the cards, mimicking answering a telephone and throwing it away before pointing to the floor, gesturing that he would be staying.
Report: Tottenham 'Open Talks' for Ademola Lookman
That is as clear of an indication as possible to any potentially interested side that he would not be willing to join them in the final 24 hours of the transfer window.
And, as such, Tottenham have reportedly turned to Lookman. The report by journalists Jamie Brown and Graeme Bailey on TBR Football states that Tottenham have 'opened talks' with Atalanta to sign the London-born forward, in a bid to bring him back to his home city. The attacker has been touted for a move away from the Bergamo-based side throughout the summer, and it appeared as though he would be on his way to Inter Milan before the San Siro side pulled out of talks, leaving the 'world-class' star at the Gewiss Stadium for the time being.
However, Lookman is now 'ready' to fly to London to make the move, with Atalanta wanting £43million to part ways with the former Premier League starlet - and they could even accept a loan-with-obligation bid which would help Spurs' financial outlook for the coming campaign, with the money only being sent to Atalanta next summer if a deal was to go through.
Lookman Would be a Better Alternative to Paqueta for Tottenham
Paqueta would be a strong addition to Tottenham's midfield ranks, but his output for the Hammers is not great when it comes to attacking figures. This season has changed that somewhat, but Lookman's output is better for a forward - and Tottenham have already signed Joao Palhinha from Bayern Munich for their engine room anyway.
GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Ademola Lookman has eight goals in 29 caps for Nigeria.
Lookman would allow Mohammed Kudus to feature on the right-hand side of the park, and allow the former Everton starlet to flourish on the left, with Xavi Simons taking a central role - giving Thomas Frank some serious options in his attacking ranks.
The Nigerian international has 39 goals in just 93 Serie A games for La Dea, and that attacking instinct bearing down on goal will be a huge asset to Tottenham, with Frank looking to shore his side up before unleashing attacking talent all over the pitch to outscore his opponents. Paqueta is a strong player, but he doesn't offer what Lookman does in that regard - and Spurs may have come off with the better alternative.