Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly edging towards making an official offer for Cagliari Calcio midfielder Nicolo Barella.
Spurs failed to make a single first-team signing during the summer, but Mauricio Pochettino is expected to be active in the January window.
A number of top European clubs hold an interest in Barella, but The Sun has indicated that the North London outfit are prepared to make a bid of £35m for the youngster.
Barella has already netted seven times in 81 appearances for the Serie A side, who are likely to be prepared to entertain any significant offers for the player's signature.
The Italian still has over three-and-a-half years remaining on his contract, but that will not stop bids being from made at the start of 2019.