The following article is a special report; all information presented, unless otherwise stated, has been gleaned from Football FanCast sources.

Tottenham Hotspur have no plans to bid for Southampton captain Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg before the transfer deadline, sources have confirmed to Football FanCast.

Sky Sports News (Live Blog, 13:36) reported on Thursday that Spurs were working on a deal to sign the Saints captain.

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However, sources familiar with the club’s recruitment insist that the rumour is wide of the mark.

Indeed, Spurs have already bolstered their midfield this month, signing Gedson Fernandes on loan from Benfica and also buying Giovani Lo Celso on a permanent basis from Real Betis.

Sources have confirmed to FFC that the main intention prior to the deadline is to attempt to secure a striker – though those efforts could well come to nothing – instead of looking to further strengthen their midfield.

A bid for Krzysztof Piatek has not come to fruition – he is instead set to join Hertha Berlin – and that has left Spurs searching for a late alternative.

While there is interest in Chelsea forward Olivier Giroud, the deal is dependent on a number of factors, including the Blues’ willingness to allow him to move to a top-four rival.

Were any transfer to happen, they would also likely have to secure a replacement themselves.

While there will not be a move for Hojbjerg, their bid to buy a forward is likely to go down to the wire.

Meanwhile, one man will be key for Spurs against Manchester City!