Tottenham Hotspur are among the teams interested in signing Ebrima Darboe...

What's the word?

That's according to Italian outlet Tuttomercatoweb, who claim that both Spurs and Championship side Fulham are keen on securing the 20-year-old midfielder from AS Roma.

Despite being under contract until 2023, the Serie A outfit are trying to tie down the promising youngster to a new deal but interest from abroad has complicated matters.

Darboe's representatives met with the Roma board to discuss a renewal in the summer and talks have remained ongoing since then.

Paratici masterclass

This could be another sign of Lilywhites sporting director Fabio Paratici stamping down his authority in north London as he looks to build for the future.

After arriving from Juventus, where he held a similar role and was responsible for many of their big-name signings over an 11-year span, the Italian has already overseen a number of additions.

These were all largely young talents with bags of potential, notably the likes of Bryan Gil and Pape Matar Sarr, who are hugely encouraging prospects.

A move for Darboe would certainly be of the same nature and it's easy to see why given the praise he's already received in his career - even more so considering he has only played six times in the Serie A.

His agent, Miriam Peruzzi,  described the Gambian as "an exceptional young man" and "a golden child" to calciomercato.com (via Roma Press).

Whilst the player himself once made an interesting revelation to Ultimo Uomo.

"Some called me Xavi, others Messi," the 19-year-old claimed. And this was down to his agility on the ball. Darboe added: "Yes because he always made that movement. And then I also played two or three touches. This is my style of play."

One huge inspiring appearance last season came against arch-rivals Lazio, where he was a major influence at the base of the engine room. He recorded the second-highest number of tackles (three) and registered a 95.6% passing accuracy, via WhoScored.

Primarily a defensive midfielder, Darboe would be a very interesting option for Spurs' long-term future, so if Paratici can secure his services from Jose Mourinho's grasp, then he could deliver another masterclass in the transfer market.

AND in other news, Nuno Santo could be eyeing his next Ruben Neves at Spurs...