Tottenham Hotspur have entered talks to sign Dejan Kulusevksi...

What's the word?

That's according to Calciomercato journalist Daniele Longo, who delivered a recent update on Spurs' interest in the Juventus outcast. In response to their previous interest back in October, the Italian tweeted that there is now "contact in progress."

The north Londoners were linked to the Sweden international once again last week, though it seems as if things have now advanced somewhat.

However, it does remain to be seen just how far along these negotiations are and how much the 21-year-old would command, having cost the Serie A giants an initial €35m (£30m) nearly two years ago.

Transfermarkt currently value him at £31.5m.

Bergwijn upgrade

Described as an "explosive" and "direct" player by former Sweden and Aston Villa ace Marcus Allback, Kulusevski would be an intriguing target for Antonio Conte and Fabio Paratici, the latter actually signed him during his time in Turin, so that could bolster such claims.

Last term, the young 6 foot 1 dynamo provided 14 direct goal contributions across 47 matches in all competitions but he has found game time hard to come by since the reappointment of Massimiliano Allegri at the Allianz Stadium, starting only two of his 15 appearances this campaign.

The Stockholm-born sensation is capable of playing a multitude of positions in attack. He played seven different roles for the Italian outfit in those 47 games.

Cristiano Ronaldo even believes he's a "great talent", whilst Italian coach Pierpaolo Bisoli has previously likened him to Liverpool superstar Mo Salah, who is arguably the best player in the world right now.

Throughout his short career to date, Kulusevski has proven to be a nuisance in attack, having averaged 2.1 key passes created, 1.8 shots and 1.5 dribbles per 90 minutes, via WhoScored.

Meanwhile, an average of one direct goal contribution every 197.5 minutes is better than a lot of Spurs attacking options, including Steven Bergwijn, who has struggled to make much of an impact in N17.

The Dutchman has played one minute fewer than Kulusevski at their respective clubs but has contributed to three fewer goals, meaning he averages a goal or assist every 243 minutes, as per Transfermarkt.

In his maiden season in England, Bergwijn only averaged 1.6 dribbles, 1.1 shots and one key pass per 90, and those numbers have barely increased since.

That's not to mention his torrid injury record since arriving from PSV Eindhoven for £25m in January 2020 either.

Spurs sporting director Paratici appears to be working proactive heading into the winter transfer window and in Kulusevski, he could hand Conte a multidimensional threat in attack.

Whatever the price, he would be a solid signing to kickstart 2022.

AND in other news, Watch out Skipp: Conte wants to sign £22.5m-rated "rock", he could be Spurs' next Dembele...