Tottenham Hotspur have entered negotiations to sign Denis Zakaria...

What's the word?

That's according to Sport Bild head of football Christian Falk, who claimed on Twitter that Spurs are "in talks for a transfer" of the Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder.

However, the Premier League outfit face fierce competition from North London rivals Arsenal, as well as Everton, AS Roma and Napoli.

It remains to be seen how much the 24-year-old would command before this month's transfer deadline, though he's currently valued at £27m by Transfermarkt.

Imagine him and Hojbjerg

A new central midfield option, on the face of it, may not be a top priority for head coach Nuno Santo but things could quickly change before August 31st.

Tanguy Ndombele's future has been thrown into doubt by The Athletic after Charlie Eccleshare revealed that he was snubbed for selection in their final pre-season friendly. He's now considering his options before the window slams shut.

Similarly, the likes of Harry Winks and Moussa Sissoko could be on the chopping block, and a departure for either - or both - could open up a spot for Zakaria to slot right in.

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The 6 foot 3 powerhouse is a defensive midfield animal and could be the perfect partner for Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, who showed many at Euro 2020 that he could offer more attacking exploits, having recorded three assists on Denmark's way to the semi-final.

Indeed, as per WhoScored, Zakaria averaged 2.4 tackles and 1.6 interceptions per 90 minutes, as well as only being dispossessed an average of one time per 90 throughout his domestic and international career thus far.

According to the man himself, he has been likened to Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira and Man United star Paul Pogba, who he also claims have been his main role models growing up, whilst German great Lothar Matthaus claimed "He reminds me of Toni Kroos."

This would suggest that he has immense ball-playing abilities, too, and an average passing accuracy of 86.5% reinforces that tenfold.

Furthermore, Zakaria has been lauded as a "very complete footballer" by his former boss Marco Rose, whilst Get Italian Football News editor Kaustubh Pandey once dubbed him a "complete package" and a "rare talent."

On the above evidence, the Switzerland international would be a mighty fine addition for Nuno but only if they can shift on some of the deadwood in the engine room.

Just imagine him and Hojbjerg pulling the strings in the middle third all season. It's a juicy prospect.

AND in other news, Nuno Santo handed big Spurs boost ahead of Man City clash...