Roberto De Zerbi could be about to receive another major Tottenham boost with Mateus Fernandes giving 'his full green light' for a transfer across the capital, according to TEAMtalk.
Fernandes has found himself in the headlines over the past few days with Spurs and Manchester United vying for his signature following West Ham's relegation to the Championship.
The 21-year-old only moved to the London Stadium from Southampton at the end of last August, but a transfer away looks set to come to fruition sooner rather than later after wowing in his debut season for the Hammers.
Amid talk of a switch to Old Trafford, Fernandes could now be instead swapping east London for north London with Tottenham going all out for the Portugal international.
Fernandes green light
According to TEAMtalk, Tottenham are accelerating their push for Fernandes and they are in advanced discussions with West Ham for the player's signature.
Sources have indicated to TEAMtalk that the player has given "his full green light to press forward" with a transfer after accepting their proposal on personal terms.
It is reported that Tottenham are prepared to offer substantially higher wages than Man United and that has only strengthened their position in the race for the 'elite' former Sporting CP man.
West Ham value Fernandes at around £85m and TEAMtalk understands that Spurs have submitted a package that reaches that amount with £65m up front and the rest in add-ons and bonuses.
Fernandes the "ultimate Premier League midfielder"
It is perhaps no surprise that Fernandes will be on the move so soon after his move to West Ham after previously excelling for Southampton prior to their relegation.
During his time at St Mary's, former Saints player Jo Tessem waxed lyrical to the BBC Radio Solent Southampton podcast about the Portuguese ace and stated that "he is becoming an ultimate Premier League midfielder".
"Mateus Fernandes is on people's radar because every week he plays his heart out, he is by far the best player on the football pitch from a Saints perspective," said the Norwegian.
"I said the same about Romeo Lavia," Tessem added.
"I didn't think he would stay for a season in the Championship and he didn't - leaving after a year - and he [Fernandes] is on a similar level, albeit a different type of player.
"He is becoming an ultimate Premier League midfielder and clubs are not going to let that go.
"He plays like a Premier League player. He passes like a Premier League player. He is quick like a Premier League player. He conducts himself so well in midfield."
Tottenham could be getting quite the player if they win the race for Fernandes' signature.