Tottenham have reportedly made an eye-watering initial offer to sign Real Madrid forward Rodrygo ahead of the January transfer window after contacting Los Blancos president Florentino Perez.
Rodrygo's once-prominent status at Real has come under serious threat this season, with the Brazilian winger's reduced role fueling speculation about a potential departure from the Bernabeu.
The 24-year-old's situation has deteriorated rapidly since Xabi Alonso replaced Carlo Ancelotti in the dugout. Despite featuring in 13 matches this season, Rodrygo has managed just 359 minutes of playing time in all competitions, less than 18-year-old Franco Mastantuono, Arda Güler and the exit-linked Vinícius Júnior.
More tellingly, he hasn't completed a full 90 minutes in any game at all this term, suggesting a serious fall down Alonso's pecking order.
Rodrygo has started just three of his 13 competitive matches in 25/26, including only one start in his last seven La Liga games, raising serious questions about his future at the club where he's won two Champions League titles.
The former Santos sensation, speaking to reporters in Brazil's mixed media zone earlier this week, opened up about his lack of chances and put on a dedicated front.
However, behind-the-scenes, whispers are indicating that a January exit could be on the cards for him.
Rodrygo was attracting interest from Tottenham in the summer, with north London rivals Arsenal also holding talks over signing the South American as far back as May, according to Sky Germany's Florian Plettenberg.
While a move to the English capital didn't materialise for Rodrygo, it could well be revisited in January, with ESPN Brasil reporting that he's privately open to leaving Real after growing dissatisfied under Alonso.
From Tottenham's perspective, it is believed that Thomas Frank's side are prepared to spend a club-record fee on bringing Rodrygo to N17, as per reports from Spain, and there's now been another update on his future, again involving Spurs.
As per Spanish media sources, the Lilywhites have approached Perez with a proposal already.
Tottenham are now said to have made an 'initial offer' of around £75 million for Rodrygo, with £62 million to be paid in full plus a further £13 million in add-ons. Right now, they're apparently showing the 'most interest' of any potential suitor, with Johan Lange and Fabio Paratici setting their sights on a statement signing.
However, that isn't to say they're alone in the race, as other unnamed Premier League clubs have inquired about Rodrygo as well.
The Lewis family recently backed Tottenham with a £100 million cash injection which could be put towards the club's recruitment drive, and reports of this nature suggest that they're looking to usher in a post-Daniel Levy era with real aplomb.
Tactically, he offers Frank exactly what the Dane has been missing — creativity.
His strengths include exceptional dribbling, key passing, finishing and crossing ability (WhoScored), providing that spark from wide areas which Tottenham have desperately lacked so far, bar Mohammed Kudus.
Rodrygo's versatility across the front three would give Frank real tactical flexibility as well, given he's capable of operating on either flank or even centrally.