Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly keen to move ahead of their rivals and sign AC Milan midfielder Franck Kessie this month.
The 25-year-old is now free to sign pre-contract agreements with foreign clubs as his current deal is set to expire in the summer.
Spurs are believed to be one of several elite teams in Europe who are looking to signing Kessie, and the Daily Telegraph claims they are considering a cash offer this month to fend off interest from elsewhere.
Premier League rivals Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool, as well as European giants Barcelona, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain, are also closely monitoring the midfielder's situation, though one previous report claims that Spurs are in pole position to lure him to North London.
Tottenham boss Antonio Conte is keen to bring in reinforcements before the January 31 deadline, with a new centre-midfielder and right wing-back high on his wishlist.
Kessie scored the opening goal for Ivory Coast in their 3-1 victory against Africa Cup of Nations holders Algeria on Thursday, with the Elephants booking their place into the last 16 as Group E winners.
Oliver Thomas
