Journalist Pete O’Rourke believes that Tottenham Hotspur may hold a trump card over other Premier League clubs in their attempts to sign Pau Torres this summer.
A report from the Mirror claimed that Antonio Conte is still looking to bring in the Villarreal defender despite Clement Lenglet seemingly filling the left-footed centre-back void.
Although the 19-cap Spain international has a £55m release clause, it is thought that an offer in the region of £45m could be enough to tempt the Yellow Submarine into selling.
Having fulfilled his desire of playing Champions League football at the Estadio de la Ceramica, O’Rourke believes that the 25-year-old could now be persuaded to leave, with Unai Emery’s men only finishing seventh in La Liga last term – and despite interest from Manchester United (as per Spanish reports via Sport Witness), the journalist feels Spurs have the upper hand due to their European status.
He told GiveMeSport:
“I think Champions League football is a big factor for all these top players in Europe now.
“They want to be playing against the best players in the world and that’s what the Champions League offers to you.
“I think Pau Torres stayed at Villarreal last season to have the opportunity to play in the Champions League, so I’m sure that will be a key factor in where he decides to move this summer.
“It’s something that Tottenham can offer the Spain international, so that might give them an advantage over their Premier League rivals, such as Manchester United, in their pursuit.”
TIF Thoughts on Torres and Spurs…
Do you think Spurs need Torres?Yes
No
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With United battling to sign Ajax’s Lisandro Martinez, it could leave the door open for Tottenham to swoop in and seal Torres’ signing.
Having been heralded as ‘sensational’ by his national team boss, Luis Enrique, Torres could well be a tremendous addition on the left of the back three in north London, with BT Sport pundit Owen Hargreaves also describing his left foot as ‘fabulous’.
However, having already spent close to £80m, it does remain to be seen how deep into his pockets Daniel Levy is prepared to reach for Conte at Spurs.
I put no we don’t need Torres in the above poll for the simple reason I still think there is a chance we might get Bastoni or Bremer. They would be my first choice.