Tottenham target asks to leave Real Madrid, but could be heading back to Italy

Spurs are in dire need of a midfielder

It's panic stations at Tottenham Fans HQ this summer. They are the only Premier League side yet to sign a player in this summer window, and there is a strong possibility that it will remain that way, with only four days left to wrap up any business. Spurs have been linked with a move for out of favour Real Madrid midfielder Mateo Kovačić this summer, with a transfer seemingly making sense for all three parties. His skillset would fill a big gap in Tottenham's squad, and he would finally be getting the first team football he struggled to get at the Bernabéu. The Croatian international has asked Real Madrid to sell him, according to Spanish media outlet COPE, but the club are keen to hold onto him, presumably so he can inherit Luka Modrić's throne in years to come. On the face of things, this is good news for Tottenham, who could be looking at a midfield duo of Luke Amos and Christian Eriksen on the opening day if they do not sign another midfielder. However, the report states that a return to Inter Milan could be more likely for Kovačić, who broke through while playing for the San Siro side before his move to Madrid. Spurs have reportedly entered talks to sign Jack Grealish, though the young Englishman is more of an attacking midfielder and has little to no experience playing as one of two central midfielders. Ideally, the club would sign both him and Kovačić if they are serious about keeping up with the rest of the Premier League top 6. COPE also report that Fulham are interested in signig Theo Hernandez from Madrid. The left-back signed from Atlético last year but has only played 13 games, with Marcelo still very much their first choice pick in that position. The 20-year-old Hernandez could benefit from a loan and Fulham could be a good place for him to develop alongside the likes of Jean-Michel Seri and Ryan Sessegnon, but Real Sociedad look more likely to sign the Frenchman, according to COPE.