Tottenham Hotspur have been boosted in their pursuit of Ruslan Malinovskyi as the Atalanta star is 'very open minded' about a switch to Hotspur Way, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.
Although Spurs have made an unbeaten start to the new season, head coach Antonio Conte could still add reinforcements to his squad ahead of the 11pm deadline on September 1.
GiveMeSport Transfer Update With Dean Jones
What's the latest news involving Malinovskyi?
It is understood that Tottenham are now in pole position to sign Malinovskyi after overtaking Nottingham Forest in the race for his signature.
The newly-promoted Premier League side have failed with a £12.6million bid and Atalanta are seeking £15million, a figure Spurs are reportedly willing to meet.
According to the Evening Standard, the Serie A outfit's coach Gian Piero Gasperini has revealed that he is happy to sell Malinovskyi before the transfer window slams shut.
The report suggests Tottenham could even look to offer Sergio Reguilon, who is currently training on his own at Hotspur Way after being frozen out by Conte, to Atalanta as part of the deal.
Malinovskyi has entered the final two years of his £23,000-per-week contract at Atalanta, meaning it may be the perfect time for his current employers to cash-in.
What has Dean Jones said about Malinovskyi?
Having spoken to one of his close contacts, Jones understands that Malinovskyi is willing to hear what Tottenham have to offer.
The journalist is aware that the attacking midfielder is refusing to rule out the possibility of sealing his Atalanta exit ahead of the September 1 deadline.
As a result, Spurs could take their spending beyond the £110million mark by wrapping up their eighth signing.
Jones told GIVEMESPORT: "I checked this out with someone that knows far more about the Malinovskyi situation than I typically would and the message back was that the player has been very open minded about a transfer this summer."
Why is Malinovskyi of interest to Spurs?
Malinovskyi may be on the market, but he has already made a promising start to the season by getting his name on the scoresheet and recording an assist in just 79 minutes of action.
The 49-cap Ukraine international has proven over the course of his career that he is capable of being a major threat in the attacking third of the pitch.
Malinovskyi has scored 74 goals and chalked up a further 67 assists, meaning the likes of Harry Kane and Son Heung-min could profit from the 29-year-old playmaker's addition.