Tottenham have made a tentative enquiry about the availability of Jay Rodriguez even after Southampton insisted the striker is not for sale.
West Brom and Sunderland have had £12million bids rebuffed but Spurs decided a cheeky check was still in order.
Mauricio Pochettino had Rodriguez when he was Southampton manager and would like back up for Harry Kane, and although any transfer before the 11pm deadline looks unlikely given Southampton’s stance, Tottenham’s interest is notable and may even be part of laying the groundwork for a summer move.
Rodriguez told Sportsmail in December in an exclusive interview of his frustration at inconsistent game time under manager Claude Puel following his return from long-term injuries.