Tottenham Hotspur could turn their attention to Monaco star Gelson Martins after missing out on Dan James...

What's the word?

That's according to Sky Sports reporter Lyall Thomas, who delivered a fresh update on dealings at Hotspur Way to the 'Transfer Centre'.

He said:

"Tottenham are considering their options in the transfer market, with a deal for Leeds United winger Daniel James looking unlikely at this stage.

"One of the names under discussion is 27-year-old Monaco forward Gelson Martinswho is said to be keen to come to the Premier League.

"Fabio Paratici and Antonio Conte are said to have met to consider their other options in the market this morning.

"Portugal international Martins fits the profile of a player who can play on either the left or right wing."

It remains to be seen how much a deal for the Portugal international would cost at this stage of the window, though he cost the Ligue 1 side around €35m (£30m) back in 2019.

He's better than James!

Martins could actually represent a better deal for Paratici to make as he appears to be a far greater threat than James.

The Leeds winger has only mustered up four goals and five assists for the Yorkshire side since his £30m move from Manchester United, meaning he has averaged one goal contribution every 314 minutes, a pretty disastrous return for someone that cost so much and has even been playing up front at times.

Martins delivered similar returns for Monaco last season with five goals and four assists but the underlying numbers highlight how he's a far greater threat in the final third.

As per FBref, the 27-year-old winger outscores the Wales international for progressive passes (2.20 vs 1.79), progressive carries (7.24 vs 4.70), dribbles completed (2.34 vs 0.67) and touches in the opposition's box (5.41 vs 4.63) per 90, whilst his impressive work rate is certainly what will catch Conte's eye more.

Martins ranks amongst the top 4% of all wingers across Europe's elite divisions for pressures and the top 6% for tackles per 90, too. Again, this is far superior to the underperforming Leeds man.

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With Conte looking to fill an attacking void with a creative, hard-working piece, it would make sense for him and Paratici to target someone like Martins, who is currently valued at €15m (£13m) by CIES Football Observatory.

The Monaco dynamo has been lauded for his "special characteristics" by his former Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone and dubbed a "real talent" by former Ayr footballer Francis Maxwell.

On the above evidence, it seems as if Martins would be an exciting last-ditch signing on deadline day for the north Londoners, though time is running out as any business must be completed by the 11pm deadline.

AND in other news, After deadline day: Paratici could seal best business yet with £100m Spurs "monster"...