Tottenham Hotspur: Insider now issues interesting transfer claim

Tottenham Hotspur are now unlikely to acquire Pau Torres from Villarreal this summer with Clement Lenglet now more likely to sign. 

This has been suggested by journalist Dean Jones, who has been addressing the north London club’s search for a new centre-back on the Ranks FC podcast.

Reports have linked Torres with a switch to the N17 club, having previously rejected them last summer when Spurs were unable to provide him with Champions League football.

It is believed the Lilywhites could use Giovani Lo Celso as part of the negotiations for the Spanish defender, with Unai Emery wanting the Argentinian back for next season.

But it seems there may now be some doubt over a deal potentially being struck, with Jones not so convinced Spurs will land the 25-year-old with Lenglet potentially a real possibility.

He said: “Lenglet is quite an interesting one that’s not been totally ruled out. Barcelona are willing to let him leave; his wages are massive.

“Now, Tottenham initially were gonna do a transfer, I think they’re still looking into the possibility of a loan, but there’s something going to have to happen with his wages because Tottenham won’t pay what he’s currently on at Barcelona.

“From what I was last told, it seemed like Pau Torres – not very likely; Clement Lenglet – slightly more likely.”

TIF Thoughts on Jones’ comments…

This will likely not please a lot of Spurs fans, who now may feel as if their top centre-back targets are slipping away from them despite the window having just opened.

Bastoni now seems unlikely, Gvardiol appears to be off the cards, and now Jones believes Torres is becoming a longshot, so it does make you wonder who Spurs are left with to make this big-money addition in defence.

By no means are Spurs desperate for a new left-sided centre-back given Ben Davies is currently enjoying the best form of his career under Antonio Conte.

However, with strong links to the likes of Bastoni, it did feel like Spurs were about to make a huge step forward in improving their options with a potentially special talent.