Tottenham Hotspur are in the market for three late-summer signings after missing out on Eberechi Eze to Arsenal, but time is quickly running out for chairman Daniel Levy and the Lilywhites recruitment team.

Spurs were forced to return to their transfer drawing board for a new playmaker yet again earlier this week, after their north London rivals hijacked a once-advanced deal for Eze.

The 27-year-old agreed personal terms to join Thomas Frank’s side, with the finances of a deal also struck with Palace, so it appeared only a matter of time before they welcomed the player to N17.

However, Kai Havertz’s injury prompted Arsenal to mount a sensational late move for their ex-academy gem after weeks of groundwork, despite initially hesitating, and once the Gunners came in, Eze’s choice was crystal clear.

It marks one of the stories of the transfer window, but for Tottenham, it is nothing but frustration.

Since the Eze humiliation, Spurs have been linked with a host of alternatives – including Monaco’s Maghnes Akliouche, Como’s Nico Paz, Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers, Bournemouth midfielder (and boyhood Lilywhites supporter) Alex Scott, RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons, Southampton sensation Tyler Dibling and Leicester City’s Bilal El Khannouss.

However, the likes of El Khannouss, Dibling and Simons are already in talks over moves to different clubs, so if they’re serious, Tottenham may need to pull off a late hijack of their own.

Tottenham eyeing late moves for number 10, winger and centre-back

To make matters more complicated, according to Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridge, Tottenham have other items on the agenda away from their search for a playmaker.

It is believed that Spurs are eyeing late signings of a number 10, winger and a centre-back before the deadline on September 1, so Levy has plenty to do, and with very little time to do it.

In terms of a winger and defender, Tottenham are expected to mount another push for Savinho from Man City, with the two sides going head-to-head today, and there is believed to be an interest in Brentford captain Nathan Collins.