Tottenham Hotspur could still make a last-gasp swoop for Nicolo Zaniolo...

What's the word?

That's according to Italian newspaper La Repubblica (via Sport Italia), who claims that Spurs could make 'one last lunge' for the AS Roma attacking midfielder as the 23-year-old hopes to find a solution before the deadline at 11pm this evening.

RB Leipzig and Leeds United are also keeping tabs on the situation, with the Serie A outfit looking for around €30m (£26m) to sanction his departure.

Three is a magic number

Lilywhites sporting director Fabio Paratici could round off a pretty decent deadline day with a late move for the Italy international as he would hand Antonio Conte a very versatile attacking player.

Pedro Porro is expected to be the club's second signing of the month, fixing a big problem at right wing-back but Zaniolo could allow the Italian greater tactical flexibility and the opportunity to rotate, with a major Champions League clash with AC Milan on the horizon.

Once likened to Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard as a "modern mezzala" by his former Inter coach Stefano Vecchi, the 6 foot 3 maestro is capable of providing a threat in and around the penalty box - just like the two Premier League greats - having scored ten goals and laid on 12 assists since the start of the 2021/22 campaign.

Zaniolo - also dubbed as a "frightening talent" by CBS Sports reporter Ben Jacobs - can play as a no.8, no.10 or striker through the middle, as well as on both flanks, which is perhaps why FBref have likened him to Manchester United star Marcus Rashford.

Over the last year, the Italian dynamo has actually averaged more shots per 90 (3.71) than leading Spurs talisman Harry Kane (3.55), which only goes to show just how influential he can be because he clearly gets into the right areas and perhaps under the guidance of Conte, he could flourish into an even bigger dangerman.

If Spurs want to end the January window on a high, then a late move for Zaniolo could be exactly what the club needs to get a feel-good factor back heading into a crucial run of fixtures, starting with the scary prospect of Manchester City once again.

Paratici must look to bring his fellow Italian to north London, just like he did last year with Dejan Kulusevski and Rodrigo Bentancur.

AND in other news, "Difficult to see Conte sanctioning" - Gold suggests one Spus player won't be allowed to leave...