tottenham's Savinho appears to be being followed behind the scenes. Brazil's latest claims suggest talks have already taken place at a higher level than reported.
As we covered earlier this monthSpurs have emerged as the strongest candidates to sign the Manchester City winger this summer. Other than this, RTI game Now not only the players' camp has joined the report discussion. They also say the talks also include the wider City Football Group structure.
According to the Brazilian outlet, Tottenham have held talks with Savinho's representatives, opened contact with City Football Group and recently met with Manchester City officials to discuss the outlines of a potential deal.
After weeks of reports linking him with Savinho, there are signs real ground is being made.
Arsenal had already discovered City's position
The most revealing part of RTI Esporte's report is actually about... Arsenal.
According to the outlet, the Gunners were looking at Savinho before Tottenham stepped up their interest and moved into pole position. Arsenal explored a move for the Brazilian, but their preferred route was a loan deal. But Manchester City were not interested.
RTI Esporte says the proposal was quickly rejected because the city had no intention of approving the temporary move. If Savinho leaves the Etihad this summer, the club will want a permanent transfer.
matches what has been Reported elsewhere in Brazil In recent weeks.
However, RTI Esporte claim that City continue to consider Savinho an important asset for the future. He believes the same holds true when accepting the possibility of a sale when the right offer comes along.
tottenham know the rules
For Tottenham, the Arsenal details are arguably as important as the reported meeting with City officials.
There is no longer any mystery about the situation at Manchester City. Furthermore, any club hoping to sign him would have to find a way to reach a fee in the region of €50m (£42m).
Recent reports have suggested Savinho himself keen to move to North London. This means that Tottenham may already have an advantage that Arsenal did not get.
The next step is whether the goodwill built from those early discussions can be converted into a formal offer that satisfies Manchester City.
Having received a firm "no" from Arsenal to a structure, Spurs now know what kind of negotiation they are walking into.
The fact that Tottenham have already spoken to the player's camp, the wider City Football Group and Manchester City officials suggests that they are further down that path than many might have thought.
