Tottenham Hotspur now face stiff competition from a rival Premier League side in the race for a "playmaker", according to a report, with Thomas Frank looking to reinforce his squad in a few key areas ahead of his first full season in charge.
Spurs have made a splash in the summer market already with their £55 million deal for winger Mohammed Kudus, which ended a 14-year unofficial transfer embargo between West Ham and their London rivals.
Kudus has been pictured in Lilywhites training as the club prepare for their first pre-season game of the summer against Reading this weekend, with the Ghanaian joining Mathys Tel and Kota Takai as Daniel Levy's first three official signings of the summer.
In an ideal world, Kudus would've been joined at Hotspur Way by Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White, who was expected to undergo a medical last Friday before a £60 million switch from the City Ground.
However, in a very unexpected turn of events, the Englishman's transfer is being significantly delayed, with Forest taking legal action over what they believe was an illegal approach from Tottenham for their star attacker, as first reported by Sky Sports reporter Rob Dorsett.
That being said, some confidence remains that Gibbs-White will eventually seal a move to Spurs (Alasdair Gold), so their potential £115 million double-swoop for the 25-year-old and Kudus is still alive.
Forest are complaining to the Premier League, with Nuno Espírito Santo's side raising concerns over how Spurs became aware of 'confidential details' in his contract (Standard Sport).
Interestingly, Forest are "adamant" that Gibbs-White is not for sale (Sky Sports), but Spurs are still hopeful of doing the deal.
As Spurs wait for the green-light to sign-off on Gibbs-White's transfer, they do have their eyes on other transfer targets, with Levy reportedly after a holding midfielder and a number six as well (TBR Football).
Journalist Graeme Bailey reported last week that Tottenham have held talks with £138,000-per-week Juventus midfielder Douglas Luiz's representatives, and the Old Lady will allow him to leave Turin this summer after a lacklustre debut campaign in Serie A.
Everton threaten to hijack alleged Tottenham talks with Douglas Luiz
Now, according to Calciomercato, Spurs may not have a free run at signing the Brazilian, with Everton threatening a move of their own.
The Italian news outlet states that Everton are ready to bid for Luiz after his alleged talks with Tottenham, and the Toffees have initiated club-to-club discussions as they attempt to back manager David Moyes for his first full season back on Merseyside.
Juve want around £35 million to part company with Luiz, and will not entertain any form of loan, as Igor Tudor's side seek to sell him immediately and reinvest that money in their own summer recruitment drive.
Aston Villa's president of football operations, Monchi, tipped him to kickstart his career at Juve earlier this year, but it appears the South American could seal a quick-fire return to England instead.
"He’s playing less than we all expected, but we’re talking about a strong player," said Monchi about Luiz to La Gazzetta dello Sport.
"There are guys who arrive and impose themselves, others who need time. Patience is needed, but Douglas’ qualities are beyond discussion. He will become important for Juve.
“He’s a playmaker and every ball that comes out of his feet has a meaning: last year he played 90% of the games with us. He was decisive."