Tottenham Hotspur continue to be linked with a top European star, perhaps in an effort to avenge another failed pursuit from earlier in the window...

What’s the latest?

That's according to Sport Mediaset, who detail the continued negotiations between the Lilywhites and AS Roma for Nicolo Zaniolo.

It seems that the player is keen on the move, hence his expected absence from their match-day squad against Spezia, but deciding between a loan and a permanent deal is the current stumbling block.

The Italian outfit only seek a permanent move, with the report detailing a minimum €20m (£18m) they would expect.

With a number of other Premier League clubs circling, this is a deal Antonio Conte will be keen to wrap up.

Avenge Trossard

It is clear the north London outfit are in the market for a player of Zaniolo's ilk, as outlined in their reported pursuit of Leandro Trossard before his eventual move to rivals Arsenal.

Having sent a verbal bid, his fallout with Brighton & Hove Albion and subsequent sale created a whirlwind deal that allowed the Gunners to swoop in without any worry about other bidders.

It has since left Spurs floundering to find an alternative, and will likely make them wary with regard to dawdling on this deal.

Admittedly, the Belgian has enjoyed a fine season in the Premier League thus far. He boasts seven goals and three assists, looking to surpass his 11-goal contributions tally from the season prior.

The 28-year-old has been a consistently outstanding asset for the Seagulls, more than earning his £27m move to the title chasers.

However, in Zaniolo, Conte could secure an alternative with not only has far more potential, but the ability to have a similar impact on the squad as Dejan Kulusevski had after his move last January.

Last season saw the 23-year-old notch eight goals and nine assists, already outlining him as a far more creative presence than his would-be alternative.

Despite this and the apparent overwhelming goal threat Trossard might have over the Italian, he still ranks in the top 4% for total shots per 90 when compared with all other attacking midfielders across Europe.

With speed, control and a clinically decisive nature, it is no surprise to see him lauded as a "frightening talent" by journalist Ben Jacobs too.

Spurs clearly need something to reignite their season, and instantly avenging one failed deal with a potential upgrade could certainly do that.

At the very least it might offer them something to hold over their rivals, as this season there was been few other opportunities.