What a summer it's been for Tottenham Hotspur.
Last season was nothing short of a disaster for the north London club as they failed to follow-up the success of reaching the Champions League final in the year previous.
In truth, Spurs fell way below expectations.
While Jose Mourinho was able to salvage the season by finishing the campaign in sixth place, there's no doubt that improvement is needed this term.
Thankfully the club's summer transfer activity suggests that an improvement could be on the cards.
Deals to sign Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Joe Hart and Matt Doherty were completed early in the summer, while the club also added some very impressive signings in recent weeks.
They were for Sergio Reguilon, Gareth Bale and Carlos Vinicius who will no doubt strengthen Spurs' hopes this term.
But it seems that Tottenham aren't yet done.
Reports have suggested that the north London side are pursuing a deal for Joe Rodon before Friday's domestic deadline.
While Daniel Levy was already keen, Duncan Castles has revealed that Gareth Bale has urged the club to complete a deal for the Wales international, with the former Real Madrid man claiming that Rodon could play for 'any team in the world'.
Speaking on The Transfer Window Podcast, Castles said: “Jose Mourinho has prioritised the signing of a centre-back in this window, and it’s the one area where he hasn’t been provided with a player yet.
“They did make an offer to Inter Milan for Milan Skriniar, who was Mourinho’s first-choice for the position, but they were well off Inter’s £60million asking price.
“Tottenham’s scouting department have proposed an alternative from the Championship – Joe Rodon from Swansea City.
“My understanding is that Mourinho has now talked to people he trusts on transfers about Rodon to get a sense of whether he’ll be a good fit to the team for what he’s looking for.
“He’s also talked to Rodon’s international team-mate Gareth Bale, and has been told by Bale that Rodon would be an excellent signing.
“His technical qualities and his mental qualities are such that Bale would see him playing for any team in the world. That has given Mourinho a lot of faith that Rodon would be a good signing for his team.
“Mourinho wants a quick centre-back, someone who is very competitive in one-on-one duals and can control the space in front of the back four.
“There’s the potential there to pair Rodon with Davidson Sanchez and have a very quick partnership.
“The expectation is that it’s going to go to the wire. Swansea want £18million for the 22-year-old, Daniel Levy has offered considerably less, and it wouldn’t be a Daniel Levy transfer deal if he didn’t take it late trying to get the best deal for himself and the club.”
GIVEMESPORT'S Phil Spencer says...
This would be an excellent deal.
Described as 'someone who is destined for the top', Joe Rodon seems like an ideal addition for Tottenham Hotspur.
Jose Mourinho is looking for a central defender - that much is certainly not a secret.
But a move for the Swansea City man could be an ideal fit as Spurs look to build for the future.
While not yet the finished article, Rodon could certainly play a part for Tottenham in the short-term, while also having the potential to be a key player for many years to come.
With the domestic deadline coming up on Friday it seems that the north London side have no time to waste and so it's crucial that a deal is wrapped up sooner rather than later.