Tottenham Hotspur could look to complete a deal for Manchester City's prodigy defender Rico Lewis in the coming weeks, according to reports - with the club having fielded an enquiry to the Premier League title contenders in a bid to bring him down south.
Spurs have already completed the signings of Mohammed Kudus, Kevin Danso, Mathys Tel and Joao Palhinha as first-team options, as well as Luka Vuskovic, Kota Takai and Mason Melia as youth players for the coming years. But Lewis would be an option rolled into both categories, and he's been the subject of an enquiry from the Europa League champions.
Report: Tottenham 'Make Enquiry' for Man City Starlet Rico Lewis
The report by CaughtOffside states that despite an official bid from Nottingham Forest for Lewis' services, City wasted no time in rejecting the proposal - and that has opened the door for Tottenham to make their move.
The Lilywhites have joined the list of 'rapidly growing competition' for the teenager, with the north London club going as far as making enquiries with City to take the youngster to the capital.
However, City are wary of strengthening direct rivals and with Spurs having qualified for the Champions League plenty in recent years, that could see them become a tougher club to negotiate with rather than someone of Forest's ilk.
City's priority is clear, and that is keeping Lewis at the Etihad Stadium, where he has been since he was eight years old. 59 Premier League appearances by the age of 20, as well as a further 36 in other competitions, have seen him become a dependable member of the team and Pep Guardiola would be pushed to lose the homegrown star.
GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Rico Lewis has five caps for England's senior squad.
Spurs could see Lewis as competition for Pedro Porro, who has been linked with moves away in the past, and he can also play in holding midfield, in a similar role to fellow England youngster Archie Gray.
They are in the market for various additions, even if a deal for Lewis' City teammate Savinho doesn't appear to be happening - and with Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze in their sights, a deal may be put on the back burner until the Eagles man is brought to north London.
But Tottenham boss Thomas Frank is interested in Lewis nonetheless, and that could be a deal to look out for in the final weeks of the transfer market, with the club aiming to flex their Champions League muscles ahead of the new campaign.