Tottenham could be about to complete a double transfer masterstroke that likely wouldn't have been possible had they not missed out on the signing of Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White.
In the wake of reaching an agreement for Mohammed Kudus to join from West Ham United, attention swiftly turned onto Gibbs-White with a medical even being scheduled for his proposed arrival. However, Forest put a spanner in those plans as they were of the belief an illegal approach had been made.
After no real updates for a number of weeks, the transfer saga ended abruptly as Forest announced that the 25-year-old had agreed terms on a new contract with it described as "a statement of intent from our owner Evangelos Marinakis".
Alongside likely receiving a pay rise, the supposed release clause in his previous deal was surely either removed or increased significantly.
Just when it looked as though Tottenham were starting to flex their muscles by sanctioning two huge transfers in 48 hours, reality intervened. There was also seemingly no alternative to Gibbs-White as Spurs have not yet signed a similar player with Joao Palhinha the only recent arrival.
However, Tottenham are now being very active in the transfer window with Crystal Palace's Eberechi Eze and Savinho of Manchester City being pursued in separate deals likely to cost a combined £140million.
Most would have preferred both attackers to be in ahead of their UEFA Super Cup final against Paris Saint-Germain and Premier League opener at home to Burnley, but as long as the duo are in Thomas Frank's squad on Tuesday, September 2, it is unlikely that will overly matter.
Talks for both are ongoing with Tottenham pushing hard for Eze in particular as Palace have now identified Bilal El Khannouss as a potential replacement with it possible the attacking midfielder misses the clash against Chelsea.
Savinho meanwhile, has been keeping busy away from the pitch with Pep Guardiola revealing he has an injury that will keep him out for the next few weeks.
The pair would add a new element to the Spurs attack but could actually find breaking into the team difficult following top displays from Richarlison, Pape Sarr and Kudus against Burnley on Saturday afternoon.
The injury to James Maddison was really unfortunate but it has at the very least allowed Tottenham to make a move for a very exciting attacking midfielder. Had Gibbs-White joined - though more of a No.8 - he could have covered in that role but him not arriving has allowed Eze to be pursued.
It is very possible Savinho would still have been targeted had Gibbs-White joined but the latter staying at the City Ground has seen funds remain available.
Tottenham are now in a position to sign the 21-year-old and Eze in a blockbuster transfer swoop and if all goes well, maybe Spurs will be thanking 'Mr Marinakis' for his 'statement of intent'.