Tottenham Hotspur's chances of signing Croatian international Ivan Perisic from Italian outfit Inter Milan in the next transfer window have been handed an encouraging boost.
The 31-year-old, who scored in the 2018 FIFA World Cup Final against France in Russia, has spent this season on loan at German giants Bayern Munich.
The winger, who has been closely linked with a move to the white corner of North London for some time, has scored five goals and recorded eight assists in 22 appearances for Bayern this season, as they prepare to resume their Bundesliga campaign against FC Union Berlin on Sunday following the coronavirus shutdown.
Despite having enjoyed a steady season in Germany, the Croatia star, who has always been considered as one of the best players in European football, is not set to join Bayern on a permanent basis.
According to Italian sports journalist Nicolo Schira, Bayern are not willing to exercise the option to sign the left-sided player for the €20million price tag that they had agreed with Inter.
As a result of the coronavirus pandemic, clubs right across world football are going to be forced into rethinking their transfer strategies and plans, as they have been forced to miss out on massive amounts of income, which has come as a result of nationwide lockdowns being put in place in a plethora of European countries in the hope that they could restrict the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases.
According to Schira, Bayern, who are four points clear of Borussia Dortmund at the top of the Bundesliga standings, are not willing to pay the €20million price that had been previously agreed with Inter, though they would still be open to the idea of retaining the Croatian if the valuation was lowered.
If Inter were to say no to Bayern's demands, it could open the door for Spurs to try and seal a deal for Perisic, who has netted four goals in the Bundesliga this season.
Mourinho has been a long-term admirer of the skilful winger and could look to add him to his Spurs midfield once the next transfer window opens for business, though when that will be remains anyone's guess because of the current situation world football finds itself in.
It is no secret that Mourinho is keen on strengthening his squad once the next window opens, but his budget, of course, depends on what financial position the club are in once the coronavirus pandemic has passed its worst.
