Tottenham is considering a move for £ 52 million Como midfielder Nico Paz, after he has learned that James Maddison will miss most of the season.
Paz is a highly appreciated Argentina International and Spurs are on his track, although they still have to make an offer for the 20-year-old.
Spurs will be without Maddison for a few months after he had torn the front cruciate ligament in his right knee.
The 28-year-old suffered last weekend during the draw with Newcastle in South Korea in an harmless challenge.
Spurs -manager Thomas Frank later confirmed that the injury to the same knee that Maddison had injured last season, which meant that he missed the Euroopa League -left victory over Manchester United.
He had tests after returning to the UK, and the initial fear of the club that he had damaged his cross blocks were realized.
A Spurs statement was: 'We can confirm that James Maddison will undergo surgery for a torn front cruciate ligament.
'His operation will take place in the coming days and then James will then start his rehabilitation with our medical team. Everyone at Tottenham wishes James a complete and fast recovery. We will support him every step of the road. '
Mohammed Kudus can take on the role of Maddison, but Spurs had already searched centrally, especially in their attempts to sign Morgan Gibbs-White from Nottingham Forest.
Dejan Kulusevski is also excluded from the start of the season, after a knee operation in May, making Frank desperate to make creative options.