Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly hopeful of sealing a deal for Bologna centre-back Takehiro Tomiyasu before the Tokyo Olympics gets underway.
Spurs are believed to have identified the Japan international as an ideal target for their rearguard, as Nuno Espirito Santo and Fabio Paratici get to work on possible incomings.
Arsenal have been tipped to rival their North London counterparts for Tomiyasu's signature, but the Gunners are reportedly not in the running to sign the 22-year-old.
As a result, Tottenham are expected to have a clear run in the race for Tomiyasu's services, and Gazzetta dello Sport claims that a deal should be wrapped up before the defender jets off to the Olympics in his homeland.
The report adds that Spurs have now tabled an improved offer of €20m (£17.1m) plus add-ons for the Japan international, and there are only 'a few details' to iron out at this advanced stage of negotiations.
Tomiyasu has scored three goals and assisted three more in 63 appearances for Bologna, and Japan's first game of the Tokyo Olympics will take place on July 22 against South Africa.
Ben Knapton
