Tottenham Hotspur are not slowing down in the transfer market and could attempt a bold move on deadline day, following up their £51.8million capture of Xavi Simons with an ambitious swoop for Manchester City’s highly-rated Brazilian winger Savinho.

The 21-year-old attacker has been on Spurs’ radar for weeks, and while there is optimism in north London about making the deal happen, complications surrounding Manchester City’s squad depth have thrown the move into doubt.

Tottenham eyeing another marquee signing

Having already secured Simons as a direct replacement for the injured James Maddison, Tottenham remain determined to add further firepower to Ange Postecoglou’s frontline. Reports suggest Spurs have been preparing a bid in the region of £65million for Savinho, a versatile forward capable of playing across the front line.

Savinho has so far found opportunities at City limited, missing their last two matches – a 2-1 defeat at Brighton and a 2-0 loss at home to Spurs – after picking up a knock in pre-season. The competition for attacking places at the Etihad is fierce, with Jeremy Doku, Bernardo Silva, Oscar Bobb, Rayan Cherki, and Omar Marmoush all vying for minutes. Sources close to the player have hinted that Savinho fears being squeezed out of Guardiola’s plans if a move to Tottenham does not materialise.

Shirt numbers and symbolism

Should Spurs succeed in landing him, the club already have a symbolic welcome lined up. Savinho could be handed the No. 26 shirt, the same number he wore during his time at Manchester City. Interestingly, had the deal been completed earlier this summer, he might have inherited the coveted No. 7 shirt – a number he briefly wore at PSV Eindhoven’s U21 side. However, that jersey has since gone to Simons following his official unveiling last week.

For now, shirt numbers are a side issue, as the bigger concern is whether Tottenham can actually prise the Brazilian away from City before the window slams shut.

City reluctant to sell

According to ESPN, Manchester City have already informed Spurs that Savinho is not available for transfer, largely due to their own squad concerns. This stance hardened after Pep Guardiola confirmed that new signing Rayan Cherki faces at least two months out with a torn quadricep muscle. The Frenchman’s absence has left City’s attacking options thinner than planned, reducing their willingness to sanction Savinho’s departure.

There had been speculation that City’s willingness to let Savinho leave might hinge on bringing in Real Madrid winger Rodrygo, who has fallen down the pecking order under Xabi Alonso at the Bernabéu. However, no such deal has developed between the Premier League champions and the Spanish giants, further complicating Spurs’ pursuit.

Tottenham’s own struggles

While transfer speculation rumbles on, Tottenham’s on-field performances have also been under the microscope. Despite securing an impressive win over City last week, Spurs stumbled at home against Bournemouth in their most recent fixture. Ange Postecoglou’s men dominated possession but were repeatedly carved open on the counter, with goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario called upon to make a string of crucial saves in a 1-0 defeat.

The contrast in results leaves both Tottenham and Manchester City in precarious positions. Guardiola’s side sit a disappointing 13th in the Premier League table after back-to-back defeats, while Spurs know they must quickly rediscover consistency if they are to mount a serious challenge for Champions League football this season.

A deal on the brink

For now, Savinho’s future hangs in the balance. The winger is understood to be keen on a switch to north London, and initial talks between the two clubs were described as encouraging. However, with City digging their heels in and injuries reshaping Guardiola’s plans, Tottenham’s chances of pulling off this audacious transfer appear slimmer by the day.

Still, with Daniel Levy and Postecoglou determined to deliver a statement signing before the deadline, Spurs are unlikely to walk away quietly. Whether City’s resolve cracks in the final hours of the window could define one of the summer’s most intriguing transfer sagas.