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Tottenham could return in the January transfer window for striker Paulo Dybala.

Spurs' pursuit of the Argentinian was the talk of transfer deadline day in England, with Spurs having been in discussions over a deal for three weeks leading up to deadline day.

But they could not get a deal over the line, despite reportedly agreeing a £64.4million deal for the Juventus striker and personal terms with the player.

That was because there was a problem with Dybala's image rights, which Tottenham could not strike a deal to buy out from a third party.

Will Spurs go back in for him in January?

The European transfer window closes on Monday, so Dybala could yet move on to another European club, but what is the likelihood of that happening?

Here's the summer story of the 25-year-old's transfer saga.

£80m deal

Last month it was revealed that Tottenham's interest in Dybala was real.

football.london understood Spurs were in discussions with Juventus about an ambitious move for the Argentina international.

Rated at £80m any deal would have smashed the club's transfer record for a second time this summer, with chairman Daniel Levy having already signed Ndombele for £63m.

Sarri's admission

One person who could have a say in Dybala's future is an ex-Chelsea head coach.

With that said, new Juve head coach Maurizio Sarri appeared to be planning for the new season with Dybala in his side and has outlined where he intends to play the Argentine.

"I think Dybala can play as a false nine quite comfortably," Sarri said. "We can also set up the attack slightly differently, with the 4-3-1-2 and Dybala playing on the right of a front two.

"We’ll try to give continuity to the good things we did in the second half [against Tottenham] in Singapore.

Juventus debt

However, the decision might have been taken out of Sarri's hands.

Juve invested heavily this summer, bringing in Aaron Ramsey, Adrien Rabiot and Gianlugi Buffon on free transfers - although signing-on fees have been paid - alongside the €75million capture of Matthijs de Ligt; and signings of youngsters Luca Pellegrini and Merih Demiral.

Even before the above signings are factored in, the club’s investments over the years have led to significant financial liabilities.

Read here for the €400m net debt that could force Juventus to sell Paulo Dybala.

Dybala 'says yes' to Spurs

Dybala reportedly ‘said yes’ to the prospect of a summer sale - despite being front and centre of Juve’s kit release.

The Argentine attacker has been linked with Tottenham and Manchester United but had previously been unwilling to consider leaving Turin.

But according to Tuttosport , he held talks with new Juve boss Maurizio Sarri after returning from a holiday after the end of the Copa America and his stance had changed.

Romelu Lukaku impact

Romelu Lukaku was heavily linked to a transfer to Inter Milan this summer but Juventus were also interested in his signature.

The Italian champions were thought to be prepared to offer Paulo Dybala in exchange for the Manchester United star but no agreement was made, with Inter instead agreeing a £74milion deal with United.

Dybala's decision

Just days after reportedly saying 'yes' to Spurs, it would appear Dybala had a change of heart.

Sky in Italy claimed that the Argentine wanted to stay at Juventus and fight for his place under Maurizio Sarri.

In addition, the report states Dybala could return from his summer break early to start learning Sarri's methods.

Although, with Spurs still interested there has been talk of a swap deal involving Christian Eriksen or Danny Rose.

Pavel Nedved confirms Juventus have received Paulo Dybala proposals

The Italian giants have had contact from clubs about the Argentinian striker.

He said: "There are some proposals, there is some interest, but we wait for concrete action so we can then decide calmly.

“Having won eight consecutive Serie A titles, we feel that we have a strong team already.

"Obviously, with the transfer market open, we’re trying to reinforce the squad.

“I won’t get into details and I don’t want to talk about individuals, but let’s say we are working on it.

Spurs 'agree deal' with Juventus for Paulo Dybala

Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio has reported that Tottenham have agreed a fee with the Italian side for the forward.

This leaves just personal terms and agent fees to be discussed.

Di Marzio has previously told Sky Sports Italia that Juventus would accept a fee of €70million for Dybala, equating to £64.5million.

Dybala 'agrees' to join Spurs

This is according to the Independent.

Tottenham are said to be willing to match Dybala's wage demands, although there is one stumbling block...

...The forward's image rights.

The report claims those rights are currently owned by the Malta-based Star Image Company and will cost an extra multimillion pound fee to settle.

Dybala says goodbye?

Dybala took part in a training ground friendly this evening, getting on the end of Douglas Costa's cut-back to make it 3-0.

But following the game he appeared to have bid farewell.

At least that's the impression some Spurs fans got on social media.

As a reminder, any deal would need to be completed before the transfer window closes at 5pm on Thursday 8th August.

Agreement close

Going into deadline day, it was unknown if Spurs would be able to conclude a deal for the 25-year-old in time ahead of the 5pm deadline.

However, Tottenham fans would have liked the news provided by BBC journalist David Ornstein that the club are getting 'close' to reaching an agreement in order to sign the attacker, with the clubs 'hopeful' that a deal will be completed.

The reporter also claims that Spurs stepped up their interest in the Juventus man after the fee for Bruno Fernandes was thought to be too high, and Manchester United dropped out of the race for the secondary striker.

Spurs have until 5pm on Thursday to get a deal over the line.

Juventus pull the plug

But with all Tottenham fans getting excited about the prospect of the 25-year-old Argentine linking up with Harry Kane next season, Juventus dropped a bombshell.

According to David Ornstein at BBC Sport, the deal is off, after Juventus decided to pull the plug.

Ornstein said that Juventus "decided not to sell" the striker, with suggestions that missing out on Lukaku to Inter was behind their reasoning to keep him at the club.

European move?

With the transfer window shut in England, Dybala either stays in Italy, or makes a move to one of the other big four European leagues.

Their transfer windows do not close until September 2 and there has been plenty of interest in the striker.

A swap deal with Inter Milan for Mauro Icardi was mooted, but the latest news is that Juventus are willing to offer Dybala in a player-plus-cash deal for Neymar.

(Image: FRANCK FIFE/AFP/Getty Images)

Neymar has been tipped to move away from Paris Saint-Germain for much of the summer, but as of now remains in Ligue Un.

Spanish publication AS reported that Juve had made a late move to steal Neymar away from Real Madrid and Barcelona with Dybala as a makeweight.

Dybala stays put

According to Juventus sports director Fabio Paratici, Dybala will be staying at the club.

The Argentine striker has had plenty of interest, but is set to stay in Turin, at least for the first half of the campaign.

Paritici said on Sunday: "I’m convinced Paulo Dybala will stay at Juve. The decision has been made."

And that is potentially good news for Tottenham and any plans they may have of making a move for the striker again during the January transfer window.

Staying at Juve would mean Spurs would have another four months to sort out the issues over the player's image rights before signing him.

Icardi to PSG

One of the teams that could have stopped Spurs being able to go back in for Dybala in January was Inter Milan.

There were talks of a potential swap deal between the two Italian clubs between Dybala and Mauro Icardi.

However, Icardi looks set to go elsewhere.

According to RMC in France, Icardi is going to complete a loan move to Paris Saint-Germain on transfer deadline day.

What impact does that have on Dybala? Inter do not have long to secure a deal for him, if they were to want to sign him to replace Icardi, and similarly Juve would not be getting a player in return now, and may be reluctant to let him leave.