Tottenham Hotspur could be looking to sign Ruslan Malinovskyi...

What's the word?

That's according to transfer insider Dean Jones, who provided a fresh update on the Lilywhites' transfer plans heading into the final ten days of the summer window.

"Attacking midfield is definitely a position that Tottenham are considering ahead of deadline day, so it fits with that," he told GIVEMESPORT.

"He’s got good pedigree, has played in top European competitions, he’s a regular in Serie A, and he has a pretty good output too, in terms of goal contributions. So, I can completely believe that he is a guy they’re looking at right now."

Indeed, reports in Italy have suggested that the north Londoners are leading the race to sign the versatile 30-year-old midfielder from Atalanta. It's also thought that the Serie A side are looking for around £17m for his signature.

Conte's own Mount

Malinovskyi is an intriguing target for sporting director Fabio Paratici and manager Antonio Conte, though it is easy to see why the pair might be keen.

The Ukraine international is showing no signs of letting up as he enters his thirties, having delivered ten goals and seven assists in 41 appearances for La Dea last season.

Those 17 goal contributions largely came from a no.10 or attacking midfield role but he was also deployed deeper as a no,8, as a centre forward and out on the right, so that versatility will have certainly caught Conte's eye, on top of his obvious threat in the final third.

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When compared to other attacking midfielders and wingers in Europe, the veteran ranks inside the top 3% for total shots (3.46), the top 5% for expected assists (0.32) and the top 7% for shot-creating actions (4.99) per 90, via FBref.

So not only is he delivering goals but he's a contract threat in the final third as he's clearly capable of providing creativity from a central area and that's exactly what Spurs are lacking right now.

The same statistical website also likens his profile to that of Chelsea star Mason Mount, who too is able to play through the middle, as well as out wide.

Mount offers slightly fewer shots (2.64), xA (0.24) and shot-creating actions (4.07) per 90 than the Atalanta star but you can see why the two may have some likeness, given both are 5 foot 11 and can practically play anywhere behind the striker.

The only difference is, Malinovskyi has a killer left foot, one that has been lauded as "stunning" and as a "cannon" by those in the press.

Therefore, it would be wise for the north Londoners to bring the Ukraine star to the club before deadline day on September 1st.

Paratici and co could well sign Conte his very own Mount-like midfielder and considering his knack for providing goals and assists, it would be a very worthwhile and value-for-money arrival at just £17m.

AND in other news, Spurs dealt transfer setback over £50m "special talent", it's a gutting blow for Conte...