Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly identified Real Madrid midfielder Marco Asensio as a potential summer transfer target.
For a number of windows, the future of the playmaker has been a hot topic for debate with no agreement having been reached over a contract renewal.
Asensio has not always been first choice under Carlo Ancelotti, that remaining the case until the break for the 2022 World Cup.
Since his return, though, Asensio has received regular game time, contributing three goals and one assist in eight appearances since January 22.
Given the 27-year-old's long-term association with Los Blancos, it now appears more likely than not that he will be more willing to extend his stay at the Santiago Bernabeu.
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Nevertheless, it has been widely documented that the Spain international is not short of admirers, particularly away from La Liga.
AC Milan have consistently been linked with an approach for Asensio, while a number of clubs in the Premier League are said to be monitoring the situation.
According to Football Insider, Spurs are contemplating whether to provide Asensio with the opportunity to move to London.
Although Spurs currently have Son Heung-min, Dejan Kulusevski and Richarlison competing for two spots behind Harry Kane, Spurs require extra strength in depth in the final third.
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Lucas Moura is known to be heading out of the club in the summer, while it appears highly unlikely that Spurs will push through a permanent deal for Villarreal loanee Arnaut Danjuma.
Much is likely to depend on whether Spurs can qualify for the Champions League, their efforts recently boosted with three wins from four games leading to them moving ahead of Newcastle United and into fourth place in the standings.
However, the report claims that Arsenal and Manchester United are also interested in Asensio, both clubs already in a position where they are likely to earn returns to European football's top table for 2023-24.
Asensio is currently preparing to play at an English ground with Real facing Liverpool at Anfield in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie on Tuesday night.
Darren Plant
