Writing on social media, reliable transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano has explained why Tottenham Hotspur didn’t sign Fiorentina midfielder Sofyan Amrabat.

The Lowdown: Spurs reach ‘agreement’…

As per reports, it appeared at one stage that the Lilywhites were all but certain to sign the Morocco international.

Indeed, claims from Italy suggested that Spurs had reached an ‘agreement’ to sign Amrabat with manager Antonio Conte personally ‘waiting’ for his arrival in north London (Corriere Fiorentino via Sport Witness).

Romano also stated that the player himself was ‘waiting for Tottenham’ and ‘wanted’ to join (YouTube via The Boot Room), with the reporter now explaining why the transfer didn’t materialise.

The Latest: Romano explains ‘collapsed’ 11th hour move…

Taking to Twitter, he claimed a potential move to Spurs ‘collapsed’ in the 11th hour.

“Sofyan Amrabat will not be allowed to leave Fiorentina in the last hours of the window,” he stated on deadline day.

“Erick Pulgar leaves to join Galatasaray, done deal – so Fiorentina need Amrabat to stay.

“Tottenham potential move has collapsed.”

The Verdict: Big miss?

The 27-cap midfield dynamo, called a ‘bargain’ player by ex-Palermo sporting director Rino Foschi, won’t exactly be a big miss for Spurs despite that plaudit.

Tottenham instead landed a 2018 World Cup gem in Rodrigo Bentancur and one who can add real steal to Conte’s midfield, as evident by his impressive average of 2.8 tackles per 90 in the Champions League this season (WhoScored).

That’s the joint most of any Juve player and it’s safe to say that his signing will boost Spurs in their hunt for a top four place.

In other news: Tottenham held deadline day talks in last gasp Paratici swoop for 176-goal attacker, find out more here.