Tottenham's move for Olivier Giroud could be scuppered by Chelsea, who are ready to use the striker as part-exchange for Napoli striker Dries Mertens.
Both clubs are desperate to sign a striker and have seen their fates interwoven with Giroud at the centre of their late efforts.
The 33-year-old France striker wants to leave Stamford Bridge for regular first-team football ahead of Euro 2020 this summer.
Tottenham have him as a fall-back option as they continue pursuing younger strikers. Chelsea want Mertens, 32, who has netted nine times for Napoli this season.
The Belgian is out of contract at the end of the season but Chelsea want to take him now and are prepared to offer Giroud as a replacement.
It would solve a problem for both clubs, with Mertens - who can play on the wing as well as centrally - keen to explore the chance to play in the Premier League.
Chelsea boss Frank Lampard is in the market for attacking reinforcements to support and reduce the burden on top goalscorer Tammy Abraham.
The Londoners look to have missed out on PSG's Edinson Cavani, with the Uruguayan poised to join Atletico Madrid, and have instead turned their attentions to Mertens.
Goal report Mertens' relationship with Napoli president Aurelio de Laurentiis has become increasingly strained, putting the chances of him staying at the club in doubt.
Lampard could seal Mertens' signature on a pre-contract agreement in order to bring him to the club in the summer, but he is desperate for another forward in his squad now.
Meanwhile Spanish midfielder Pedro could also be on his way out of the Bridge before Friday's deadline.
Pedro has a number of potential suitors across the world interested in acquiring his services, with Italian side Roma the current front runners.
