Spurs hopeful of sealing deal with Pau Torres

Tottenham believe this is the right time to grab Villarreal defender Pau Torres.

Tottenham watched Torres on Tuesday night during his team’s Champions League loss to Liverpool.

The 25-year-old, who is one of Europe’s most wanted centre-backs and has a £55m release clause, has been on Tottenham’s wanted list for the past two years but resisted their attempts to sign him. last year. as he wanted to play for a Champions League club.

That decision was vindicated when he reached the semi-finals of the competition and he is now established as one of the top three centre-backs in Spain heading into the World Cup.

However, Torres now feels it is time in his career to make a move and prove himself on another stage, encouraging Tottenham that they can come to an agreement.

Red Bull Leipzig’s Josko Gvardiol had been their main defensive target but they fear stronger competition for the Croatian international, while Lille’s Sven Botman and Atletico Madrid’s Mario Hermoso have also been discussed but have slipped down their list. .

Torres has had doubts about whether he is physical enough for the Premier League, something that has hampered interest from Manchester United and City in the past, but he has shown signs of improvement this season.

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Both sides remain among his admirers, but Tottenham believe they can give him the ideal next step, provided they can meet Villarreal’s price tag.

The suitors had hoped to win Torres from Villarreal for around £45m this window, but the Spanish side will push to get closer to his release clause.

Tottenham want to bring in three or four new faces but must sell to balance the books and increase their homegrown quota.