After discovering full back Young-Pyo Lee will not be leaving Tottenham after all, the club is understood to have gone cold on completing the transfer of Wigan's Pascal Chimbonda.
Spurs already have four orthodox full backs in their squad. However, that has always been the case despite showing an interest in both Chimbonda and Liverpool bound Lucas Neill in this transfer window.
They may prefer to buy a left back who is also capable of playing left midfield and Lyon's Hatem Ben Arfa fits the bill.
But priority signing Stewart Downing hasn't yet been crossed off the list with Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate and chairman Steve Gibson aware their star asset wants to join Tottenham.
Spurs are likely to make sure they cannot land Downing today before completing any other deadline day signings.
Source: John Cross in The Daily Mirror