While most outside commentators would agree that Spurs are desperately in need of some reinforcements up front, the decision makers at the club have continued their reluctance to fund any deals. They became the first Premier League club of the transfer window era to fail to sign a player during the off season last summer, and have been equally frugal this month.
This is all despite the injury crisis that has gripped Mauricio Pochettino's squad, with the likes of Harry Kane and Dele Alli set to be out for the next six weeks or so. That has left the Argentine manager with few options up front, with Fernando Llorente seemingly not up to the task of filling in for their talismanic number 10.
The return of Heung-Min Son has eased the problem somewhat, but there was a Premier League striker offered to the club over the past couple of days.
Chelsea have been trying to offload Michy Batshuayi since the start of the month, with a number of clubs linked with the player. His agent sounded out the possibility of a move to North London, but Chelsea's asking price for a loan move would prove too steep.
The player almost moved to Spurs instead of West London in 2016, and the club have continued to monitor the player. While Chelsea were seeking a £30million permanent deal earlier this month, they have shown a willingness to accept a loan deal at this stage in the window.
The Mirror are reporting that The Blues were seeking an £8million loan fee to allow the Belgian to move to Spurs, some four times the amount they were seeking from West Ham and Real Betis. Spurs were unwilling to meet their asking price, despite the relative shallowness of their squad at the moment.
The high fee points to the rivalry between the two clubs, who have experienced a number of feisty meetings in recent seasons. They are also rivals for a top four spot, and Chelsea will no doubt be hoping that Tottenham's injury crisis will see them drop down the Premier League table.
West Ham have also cooled on a potential deal for the player, after he sought a salary of £170,ooo per-week to move to the London Stadium.
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