Tottenham are yet to agree personal terms with Hoffenheim midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson.
The Guardian says Spurs have moved ahead of Liverpool and Swansea City in the pursuit of Sigurdsson after agreeing a 10m (£8m) fee with Hoffenheim for the Iceland midfielder.
Spurs hope to complete a deal for the coveted 22-year-old by the end of this week, but they have still to agree personal terms with the player.