Tottenham Hotspur could finally be about to replace Christian Eriksen but they face a tough test in securing the perfect successor...

What's the word?

According to Sky Italia's Angelo Mangiante, Spurs boss Jose Mourinho wants to bring AS Roma playmaker Nicolo Zaniolo to north London this summer.

It's claimed that an official from the Premier League club met with the Serie A outfit at their Trigoria training base but it appears as if the player may not be for sale.

Just a few days ago, Corriere dello Sport (via Sport Witness) suggested Spurs were preparing a €50m (£45m) bid and Mangiante states they were prepared to offer a sum during this meeting, though they were knocked back instantly.

Playmaking heir

Whilst Roma seem to be holding firm over one of their best young talents, at the end of the day, everyone has their price so Daniel Levy shouldn't give up just yet.

The north Londoners haven't yet replaced Christian Eriksen, who departed for Inter Milan in January - Giovani Lo Celso seemed to be the man to replace him but he's better off in a deeper role.

Zaniolo appears to be a neat fit to take the playmaking crown at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

This season, the 21-year-old provided eight goals and four assists whilst averaging 2.3 dribbles, 1.7 shots and 1 key pass per appearance in all competitions, via WhoScored.

He's been likened to both Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard by ex-Inter coach Stefano Vecchi with Roma legend Francesco Totti describing the Italian as a player with "explosive strength and technique."

Zaniolo is also said to be "precise and quick in his passing" and that his "decision-making is exceptional," according to Serie A expert Mina Rzouki.

All of these things point towards the attacking midfielder being the absolutely ideal man to bring some creativity further up the pitch at Spurs.

Levy's just going to have to tempt Roma into a sale with a better offer.

AND in other news, Spurs' £25m target could be the perfect foil for Harry Kane