Earlier this week, an unnamed representative speaking on behalf of Davinson Sanchez confirmed that there was a real and genuine interest from Spartak Moscow in a player who started only eight Premier League games in 2022/23.

It is unlikely Spurs will stand in his way either; the London giants expected to start talks over a deal to bring in a potential replacement – Tosin Adarabioyo – from Fulham (Foot Mercato).

Sanchez’s agent insists that, as things stand, no offer has arrived from the Russian capital. But should that change, the £42 million signing from Ajax would certainly be open to the idea of kick-starting his spluttering career in a new home.

“So far, Spartak has not sent an official offer for Sanchez,” Schena tells Sport Express.

“Let’s see how possible the transfer will be when the club contacts us. I can say that Sanchez sees no problem in playing in Russia.

“Therefore, he can easily go to Spartak.”

Having turned 27 last month, the expectation was that Sanchez would have smoothed out his rough edges by now. The long-serving centre-half remains as error-prone and inconsistent as ever, however; booed off by his own supporters after a horrific 23 minute cameo in April’s 3-2 home defeat to AFC Bournemouth.

But his potential arrival would still be a massive statement of intent for Spartak Moscow. Especially after Spartak finished 16 points adrift of RPL champions Zenit St Petersburg in 2022/23.

“If the red-and-whites want to compete with Zenit, then they need such a player,” Andrei Kanchelskis, the former Manchester United, Everton and Rangers winger, tells Sport Express.

“Is it worth paying 15 million euros for him? If Spartak has the money, let them pay. If they want him, let them sign him.”