Tottenham Hotspur could move on from Tanguy Ndombele before next week's transfer deadline...

What's the word?

According to Monday's print edition of Italian publication Tuttosport (via Sport Witness), Spurs are among the clubs interested in Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie.

They go as far as suggesting that the wantaway Frenchman could be offered as a makeweight in any potential deal, with sporting director Fabio Paratici a huge advantage to their pursuit, having been the man to originally sign him for the Serie A giants.

It is thought that Juventus have set an asking price in the region of €30m (£26m) but the Lilywhites appear to be facing competition from Bayern Munich, who have also reportedly shown interest in Ndombele.

Bye-bye Ndombele?

Whether or not the 24-year-old club-record signing is included in any deal, a move for McKennie would almost certainly spell the end for his time in north London.

Recently, Ndombele told Spurs that he wants to leave the club, as per the Telegraph, and his continued absence from Nuno Santo's squad certainly leaves little to the imagination over whether or not such reports are true.

He did not feature in any of their pre-season friendlies, despite not being away on international duty at all this summer, whilst he is yet to be involved since the return of the Premier League over a week ago. It's rather damning.

But would the Juventus midfielder be a good replacement? The evidence would suggest so.

McKennie struggled for minutes on the pitch last season, starting only 18 of his 34 league appearances, but he still managed to find the net on five occasions. Throughout his career, he has displayed some impressive box-to-box qualities which merely reinforce former Schalke boss David Wagner's glowing endorsement of him.

"He's an outstanding talent. In the No.6 or No.8 position he has the mentality, a real working mentality that you need," he said, via Bundesliga.com. "And he's brave on the ball as well. He can be one of the best midfielders in the Bundesliga."

Indeed, the 24-time USA international has averaged 1.9 tackles, 1.8 interceptions, 1.5 dribbles and one key pass every 90 minutes since the 2016/17 season, via WhoScored.

That only goes to show his ability in the engine room and perhaps gives some likeness to former Spurs beast Mousa Dembele, who was often the key cog in joining the defence to the attack. His powerful runs forward were often the difference and that's something with which Ndombele has struggled immensely, managing only two assists in the top-flight last term.

Also lauded as a "unique individual" and "versatile" by USA coach Gregg Berhalter, the £22.5m-rated midfield dynamo would be a fantastic successor should Spurs be able to offload their £55m man.

Paratici must look to re-sign his former player, with the transfer window entering its final week.

AND in other news, Nuno dealt gutting Spurs transfer blow amid Fabrizio Romano claim, fans will be fuming...