Tottenham have failed in their attempts to sign wing-back Djed Spence, 90min understands.
The Middlesbrough man, who is currently on a season-long loan at Nottingham Forest, has been the subject of widespread Premier League interest.
West Ham, Crystal Palace and Brentford have all been keen to bring the former Fulham man back to London.
And 90min has been told that Spurs tried their luck at the back end of the January transfer window in order to skip the queue and sign Spence this summer.
Tottenham's bid of around £12m plus add-ons was knocked back by Middlesbrough, who have been holding out for closer to £15m.
Having already played for both Boro and Forest this season, Spence would not have been eligible to make his Spurs debut until next season.
He will remain at the City Ground as Forest continue their push for promotion. Steve Cooper's side have also held their resolve and knocked back approaches from Brentford for star winger Brennan Johnson this month.
Spence's loan club are up against his parent side in the race for promotion, with Forest eighth in the Championship table, just two points behind Middlesbrough in sixth.
Source : 90min