Tottenham have just made an approach to sign a Bayern Munich star with the 'next few hours' crucial, according to a report this afternoon.
Spurs' January transfer business has been fairly modest so far, despite Thomas Frank's struggles in north London, with just two signings completed as the under-pressure boss seeks reinforcements to salvage a disappointing campaign.
The Lilywhites moved decisively for Conor Gallagher earlier in the window, securing the midfielder from Atletico Madrid in a £35 million deal.
The former Chelsea man brings Premier League experience and athleticism to Frank's engine room, though questions linger whether Spurs continue addressing the wrong profile—signing combative midfielders rather than the creative playmaker/winger they've desperately lacked.
Tottenham also completed the £13 million signing of Brazilian left-back Souza from Santos, with the 19-year-old arriving on a long-term contract.
The former Brazil U-17 international provides competition for injury-prone Destiny Udogie after Ben Davies suffered a broken ankle, though the teenager may represent a longer-term investment rather than an immediate first-team upgrade.
However, Tottenham's most significant January activity may be their failures rather than successes.
Liverpool pulled out of talks over Andy Robertson after preliminary negotiations for the Scotland captain, who was available for just £5 million.
The 31-year-old had been identified as experienced reinforcement for Frank's struggling defence, but Liverpool and Robertson have reconsidered the move.
According to journalist Ben Jacobs this week, Tottenham actually have a deal in principle to sign Robertson already agreed, but the Reds and the left-back are stalling until they can find a replacement, if they do.
It could be 'one to watch' in the final hours of January, according to Jacobs again, but for now, it is off the table.
Now, Spurs are moving on to other targets for the time being, and one of them is apparently Bayern star Leon Goretzka.
Tottenham make Wednesday approach to sign Leon Goretzka
According to Marca journalist Matteo Moretto, who regularly collaborates with Fabrizio Romano, Tottenham have made an approach for Goretzka today as they attempt to rival Atlético Madrid for his signature.
This contact has come in the last few hours, and in similarly quick fashion, Bayern are poised to make a decision on the midfielder's future 'in the next few hours'.
The 30-year-old's pedigree is pretty undeniable.
Goretzka boasts 292 Bayern Munich appearances, with 47 goals and 48 assists to boot, while collecting numerous Bundesliga titles and Champions League experience.
His box-to-box capabilities would address Tottenham's desperate need for midfield quality, offering creativity, control, tenacity and goalscoring threat from deep positions - attributes that Frank's struggling engine room sorely lacks.
Acquiring him in January prevents a summer bidding war when he becomes a free agent. His winning mentality and European pedigree could elevate Tottenham's standards, providing leadership in a squad desperately short on experience.
"Outstanding. It shows strength, maturity, but also extreme mentality and clarity of mind," said former teammate Sami Khedira on Goretzka's return to prominence.
"Publicly, he completely kept his mouth shut. Internally, from what we hear, he worked like a madman, and he's highly respected within the team.
"He stayed calm and fully convinced of his own qualities. He's a machine, huge respect for Leon. Through his exemplary behaviour, he has also sent a signal to Julian Nagelsmann"
However, Goretzka's astronomical £300,000-per-week wages represent a massive financial commitment that could cripple Tottenham's wage structure.
A veteran with his contract expiring, the German offers limited resale value and represents a short-term fix, but that didn't stop Spurs from going for Robertson.
He could be a very intriguing option, but a lot will depend on Bayern here.