Jose Mourinho wants to sign Benfica centre back Ruben Dias for Tottenham and super agent Jorge Mendes could play a role in the transfer.
Dias is one of Europe's most sought-after young defenders thanks to his impressive performances in the Primeira Liga, while he has also emerged as Portugal's successor to ageing centre backs Pepe and Jose Fonte.
According to Football London, Mourinho wants to raid Benfica for Dias, whose release clause rocketed up to £80m when he signed a new contract with the Portuguese giants back in November.
However - as you can probably imagine - Spurs would be unlikely to match such a clause and would hope instead to negotiate a lower fee for a player valued around £40m.
Mendes, who represents Dias, has a storied history with Mourinho and the report claims Tottenham hope he could help the two clubs agree a smaller fee.
90min exclusively revealed in September that Manchester City were considering a move for the Portugal international, with Aymeric Laporte and John Stones' documented injury issues playing a part in their thinking.
City's local rivals Manchester United have also been credited with an interest in the defender in the past.
Tottenham have dealt with Benfica recently, signing Gedson Fernandes on loan in January with an option to buy the midfielder should the deal suit all parties.
Central defence is an area Tottenham have struggled in all season, with Toby Alderweireld - arguably the pick of the bunch - looking shaky. Jan Vertonghen's future is still up in the air, while Juan Foyth will most likely leave in some capacity should his game time not increase when football does return.
A deal around £40m for Dias would likely be Tottenham's main deal in whatever window it takes place in, though the increasing uncertainty surrounding the coronavirus outbreak may well see available funds for transfers decrease.
Source : 90min