Tottenham Hotspur are quietly positioning themselves for what could become one of the more unusual transfer stories of the coming window, with plans in place to offer big money for a player who is not even officially available yet.
The North London club are closely monitoring a situation that could see a young midfield talent sold, bought back, and then immediately sold again, all within a short period of time.
While transfer planning continues behind the scenes, Spurs were given a timely boost on the pitch with a narrow but important 1-0 victory away at Crystal Palace.
After a difficult run of form that saw five defeats in eight matches and growing frustration among supporters, the result provided some breathing space for manager Thomas Frank. The win did not solve every problem, but it did steady the mood around the club and reminded fans that there is still belief in the squad.
Frank was full of praise for his players after the match, focusing less on the quality of the performance and more on the mindset shown. He highlighted the desire, discipline, and resilience his team displayed at a tough away ground.
For a side that has struggled for consistency this season, grinding out a clean-sheet win was just as important as playing attractive football. Frank openly admitted the performance was not perfect, but stressed that character and fight are vital over the course of a long Premier League campaign.
That result may ease pressure on the manager, but Tottenham’s leadership know improvements are still needed. Sporting director Johan Lange is expected to be active in identifying reinforcements, especially in midfield, where Spurs want more control, physicality, and depth.
However, not all solutions are expected to arrive immediately, and one major target may not realistically be available until the summer.
Reports from Italy suggest Tottenham are keeping a close eye on Aleksandar Stankovic, the highly rated 20-year-old currently playing for Club Brugge. Stankovic, the son of former Inter and Serbia legend Dejan Stankovic, has been enjoying a strong season in Belgium.
He has featured in almost every league match for Brugge and has started all of their Champions League games, showing maturity well beyond his years.
Inter Milan still hold a buyback clause for Stankovic, believed to be around €23 million, which they are expected to activate. However, despite bringing him back to Italy, Inter are not planning to keep him long-term.
Instead, they see an opportunity to make a quick profit by selling him on immediately, and this is where Tottenham enter the picture.
Spurs are reportedly ready to submit an offer in the region of €40 million, around £35 million, once Inter complete the buyback. Initial contact has already been made, although Inter are expected to push for a higher fee if interest continues to grow.
The situation is complex, but Tottenham believe the timing could work in their favour if they act decisively.
Stankovic’s appeal is clear. He is comfortable playing at the base of midfield, where he can shield the defence, recycle possession, and dictate the tempo of games. He is also capable of dropping into defence as a centre-back, adding tactical flexibility that modern managers value highly.
His physical strength, aerial presence, and long-range passing have earned praise across Europe, and his Champions League performances have shown he can handle pressure at the highest level.
Internationally, Stankovic has already earned four caps for Serbia, another sign of how highly he is rated. Many observers believe he has the tools to follow a path similar to his father, who enjoyed a glittering career at the very top of the game.
While comparisons are inevitable, the younger Stankovic is carving out his own reputation as a disciplined, intelligent, and competitive player.
For Tottenham, this potential deal represents both ambition and risk. Paying £35 million for a player who has yet to play in the Premier League is a significant investment, but Spurs see him as someone who could grow into a key figure for years to come.
With the club aiming to rebuild and challenge consistently for European places, securing young players with high ceilings is a central part of their strategy.
The coming weeks will be crucial. Much depends on Inter’s final decision, the fee they demand, and whether Tottenham are willing to stretch their budget. What is clear is that Spurs are planning ahead, looking beyond short-term fixes and targeting players who can shape their future.
If this deal goes through, it would be a bold move that underlines Tottenham’s intent to think smart, move early, and back their vision with serious money.
