Tottenham came agonisingly close to clinching their marquee signing Paulo Dybala last summer that he had in fact filmed a 'goodbye' video message to Juventus fans before a last-minute change of heart.

Tottenham were in hot pursuit of the Argentina international, who had fallen down the pecking order under Massimiliano Allegri following the arrival of five-time Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo from Real Madrid.

And according to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Dybala was so convinced he was leaving Turin that he recorded an emotional video message to Juventus supporters ahead of his proposed move to north London.

Juventus and Argentine star Paulo Dybala came so close to joining Tottenham last summer

Dybala was inspired by Gonzalo Higuain's determination to get back into Juventus' starting XI

DYBALA STATS *2019-20 all competitions* Games: 25 Goals: 11 Assists: 9 Minutes: 1,479 Advertisement

Furthermore, the 26-year-old's fiancee, Oriana Sabatini, was looking forward to moving to London and was certain the transfer was going ahead.

However, Dybala changed his mind hours before he was due to sign the contract with Tottenham after becoming inspired by Gonzalo Higuain's determination to get back into Juventus' starting XI.

His affection for the Italian giants, having joined the club back in 2015 from Palermo, and his past success in Turin also played a massive factor in his decision to stay put.

But fast forward four months and now Dybala is on the brink of signing a new long-term contract with the reigning Serie A champions after shining under Maurizio Sarri.

The forward is ready to sign new terms on Thursday until the summer of 2025 worth £9.4million per year with bonuses included, and has also asked to become Juventus' new captain.

Mauricio Pochettino could not get his man in the summer and was sacked a few months later

Dybala was handed the captain's armband during the club's Coppa Italia victory over Udinese on Wednesday, in which he scored twice as they ran out emphatic 4-0 winners.

And it was clear from the start of Sarri's reign that Dybala would go on to play a big role at the Allianz Stadium.

On the day of his unveiling in Turin, Sarri declared: 'Dybala is a very important player for me.'

And Sarri has stayed true to his word with Dybala becoming one of Juventus' irreplaceable players along with Ronaldo.

The 26-year-old has already featured 25 times for Juventus this season in all competitions, scoring 11 goals and producing nine assists during that time.