Tottenham Hotspur are working on a deal to sign Tosin Adarabioyo from Chelsea before the deadline.
Adarabioyo has emerged as a transfer target for Tottenham as the club consider replacements for Kevin Danso. The latter is one of three players that Roberto De Zerbi revealed have asked to leave Spurs before Tuesday's transfer deadline.
Asked to explain Danso's absence from the Premier League squad against Newcastle this weekend, De Zerbi said: "Richarlison, I don't know. He said too many times he wants to leave. Danso came to me two days ago and he said he wants to leave. Pape Sarr the same."
Sunderland are among the clubs interested in Danso, who joined Spurs from Lens for £21m last summer after an initial loan spell.
Fabrizio Romano is reporting that Spurs are exploring a move for Adarabioyo as a contingency plan for Danso's exit.
The 28-year-old is free to leave Chelsea after a bit-part role last season and has interest from the Premier League and Europe.
Benfica and Marseille have both been linked with the defender, though interest from Tottenham Hotspur could lead to Adarabioyo remaining in London.
The centre-back has made 70 appearances for Chelsea across all competitions, scoring seven goals, since signing from Fulham as a free agent in 2024.