Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur have both held talks over signing Juventus forward Dusan Vlahovic, who is set to leave the Italian club as a free agent.
Intermediaries close to the Serbian striker have already begun exploring potential destinations and have made direct contact with Tottenham about a possible move.
Vlahovic is demanding a salary package of around £8m-a-year, plus a sizeable signing-on bonus, with his agent also expected to seek a substantial commission.
Spurs are reportedly prepared to match the player’s wage demands but remain concerned about the overall financial commitment the deal would require.
Newcastle United have also been informed about the details of finalising the operation, making this a three-way Premier League battle for the striker’s signature.
Atletico Madrid and Turkish clubs are also in contention, while Juventus have not entirely given up hope of keeping Vlahovic following recent changes in the club’s hierarchy.
Tottenham currently have Dominic Solanke and Richarlison as central striking options, though Solanke managed just six goals in 20 appearances last season due to persistent fitness problems.
Richarlison is entering the final year of his contract, adding further urgency to manager Roberto De Zerbi’s search for a reliable centre-forward ahead of next season.
Randal Kolo Muani can offer cover in the striker role, but he is widely expected to return to Paris Saint-Germain at the conclusion of his loan spell.
Chelsea, meanwhile, have also entered the race despite revamping their attack by signing Liam Delap and João Pedro last summer, with Delap enduring a difficult debut campaign at Stamford Bridge.
Vlahovic, who stands at 6ft 3in, first attracted widespread attention with his performances for Fiorentina before making his move to Juventus, where he struggled to consistently deliver.
Despite those difficulties in Turin, the Serbian forward is considered to be at the prime stage of his career and could prove a shrewd acquisition for whichever club ultimately secures his signature.