Tottenham are prepared to go all out to sign Sandro Tonali from Newcastle United this summer, GIVEMESPORT understands.
In a statement to the supporters at the end of a dismal season, during which Spurs had three different managers, owners the Lewis family pledged to back new head coach Roberto De Zerbi in the transfer market.
The message to the fans read: "We take responsibility for rebuilding Spurs. Our ambition is to recapture the spirit of the club and bring back the excitement, the fearlessness and the bold football we have always felt defined us. That means football comes first. The board and executive team have laid out their plans to meet this ambition.
Two signings have already arrived at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
"This will require investment – in our teams, the academy, our backroom functions and more - and we are fully committed to this. We are not selling the club. We are all in. We are investing in it. You will see more of this in the coming months."
Spurs have already made two new signings, although neither have cost any money, with Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi arriving from Liverpool and Bournemouth respectively.
They are in talks with Brighton over a move to sign Jan Paul van Hecke, having already had two bids rejected by the south coast club.
And news emerged on Tuesday that Tottenham had entered the race to sign Tonali, who has garnered interest from Manchester United this summer as they look to invest in their midfield.
Spurs ready to break transfer record to sign Tonali
And GIVEMESPORT can reveal that Spurs are prepared to smash their transfer record to complete a deal for the midfield man, with a willingness to pay between £80million and £85million, potentially with add-ons on top too. Spurs are already in constructive talks with the Italian over a move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Newcastle are looking for a fee in the region of £100million to do business, but are willing to sell the 26-year-old - as they did with Anthony Gordon to Barcelona - to ensure they continue to comply with Financial Fair Play and the Premier League's new Squad Cost Rules.
Spurs have not gone to Newcastle with a bid as yet for the midfielder, who has been described as "world-class", but have laid out their intentions.
Spurs are keen to make a statement signing this summer and back head coach De Zerbi in the market as they look to improve on back-to-back 17th-placed finishes in the top flight.
Tonali would prefer a move back to Serie A in Italy if he is to leave St James' Park, but elsewhere in the Premier League is seen as the most viable option given the value of the deal.
Arsenal and Manchester City have also made enquiries.