Tottenham manager Thomas Frank is reported to be a real admirer of another England international, who's made his way on to the Dane's summer transfer shortlist amid all the drama surrounding Morgan Gibbs-White's potential move to north London.
Spurs are ready to back Frank with more new signings before deadline day on September 1, after already sealing deals for Mohammed Kudus, Kota Takai and Mathys Tel for a combined fee of around £90 million.
After a round of quick-fire talks late last week, Tottenham were ready to trigger the 25-year-old's £60 million release clause, and his transfer to N17 was so advanced that Spurs booked medical tests for Gibbs-White on Friday.
However, in a stunning twist, Forest then unexpectedly blocked his move, amid a complaint to the Premier League, with Evangelos Marinakis and co believing Tottenham tapped up Gibbs-White and obtained knowledge of his release clause illegally (Ben Jacobs).
Now, Forest are adamant that Gibbs-White isn't going anywhere (Sky Sports), but Spurs still remain hopeful of eventually getting a deal done.
As Frank waits for further clarification on whether the Lilywhites can indeed get Gibbs-White over the line, with Forest digging their heels in, reports suggest that Tottenham also want to add a new traditional central midfielder to their ranks.
Thomas Frank wants to sign Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton
According to GiveMeSport, a 'leading target' for Frank in that position is Crystal Palace sensation Adam Wharton.
The England international's 2024 performances earned him a spot in Gareth Southgate's Three Lions squad for the Euros, and even though his latest campaign was hampered somewhat by injury, Wharton is still regarded as one of the country's best rising stars.
GMS reports that Frank has personally identified Wharton as a potential Tottenham signing, and what's more, they might not be deterred by the 21-year-old's seismic £100 million price tag.
Palace are using Declan Rice's £105 million move to Arsenal in 2023 as a yardstick for Wharton's valuation, as they hold the player in similar regard, but this hasn't completely turned Spurs away. They could yet still open talks for the ex-Blackburn Rovers starlet in an "ambitious" move, even if Daniel Levy would have to completely shatter Tottenham's transfer record.