Tottenham Hotspur have held talks with a "top" Premier League player via his representatives ahead of the summer transfer window, but it is believed cross-town rivals Arsenal are equally keen.
Spurs set for key summer transfer window after dismal season
The Lilywhites could look very different on paper, both in terms of the team sheet and the dugout, with manager Ange Postecoglou also under intense pressure at Spurs right now.
Following a dismal Premier League campaign, where the Lilywhites find themselves 14th in the table after 16 league defeats, something simply has to give ahead of next season, where Spurs will be looking to restore their reputation as a 'big six' side.
Cases have been made that Postecoglou's side simply do not have the strength in depth or star quality to compete with England's most elite sides, and if Daniel Levy doesn't green-light more serious investment into the squad, they're in danger of falling even further behind.
Whether Levy does splash the cash is up for debate, especially after his message following the club's latest published set of financial accounts for the last tax year.
“I often read calls for us to spend more, given we are ranked as the ninth-richest club in the world," said Levy in an official statement.
"However, a closer examination of today’s financial figures reveals that such spending must be sustainable in the long term and within our operating revenues. Our capacity to generate recurring revenues determines our spending power.
“We cannot spend what we do not have, and we will not compromise the financial stability of this club."
With Levy looking to approach the summer window with financial caution, Tottenham technical director Johan Lange and Chief Football Officer Scott Munn must be clever in navigating the competition for star players.
Release clauses will be a reoccurring theme, with news of Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap and his potential good value attracting attention from everywhere, including Spurs.
Delap is a rumoured target for Tottenham, and he could be one of the biggest stories of the summer.
Tottenham hold talks with Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap via agents
The England Under-21 international has enjoyed an excellent season at Portman Road, scoring 12 goals in the top flight alone, and it is now believed that Delap could be available for just £40 million this summer.
This is tied in with a release clause, which is dependent on Ipswich being relegated, and if Kieran McKenna's side suffer the drop, clubs will likely be chomping at the bit to trigger the £40m buy-option.
According to The Boot Room and journalist Graeme Bailey, Tottenham have held talks with Delap via his camp already, with Levy and co sensing a potential transfer opportunity amid the clause.
However, they'll face stiff competition, including Arsenal, who've also reached out to his camp. The 22-year-old has admirers everywhere, and news of his potential £40m price tag will only intensify the number of suitors.
"He is a pest. He is a nuisance. He is always there on the shoulders of the centre-backs. He is making runs in the channels. He is always available," said former Spurs keeper Paul Robinson on Delap.
"When it looks like he isn't going to win the ball, he puts his body in between the player and the ball, somehow managing to win a free-kick or something for his team. He is a top, top player."