Spain's Ferran Torres in action with Morocco's Romain Saiss
Tottenham are ‘above all’ suitors in the race to sign Barcelona forward Ferran Torres, according to reports in Italy.
The Lowdown: Spurs eye Torres move…
The former Man City star has been sporadically linked with a move to north London in recent months as sporting director Fabio Paratici reportedly makes transfer plans behind-the-scenes.
This summer could be an absolutely huge one for Spurs as there are currently many plates spinning – namely the future of Antonio Conte, Harry Kane’s contract, who could replace goalkeeper Hugo Lloris and Spurs’ hunt for a centre-half.
Conte has been tipped to leave the club at the end of his current contract, which is set to expire later this year, and many names like Mauricio Pochettino, Roberto De Zerbi, Luis Enrique, Thomas Tuchel, Marco Silva and Thomas Frank have been linked to the job.
Amid this situation, Spurs also have to contemplate who they could sign for any proposed new manager, with Italian sources sharing news on Torres.
The Latest: Spurs ‘above all’ in race for Torres…
According to Calciomercato.it, via Sport Witness, Tottenham are in fact ‘above all’ suitors in the race for Spain’s international forward.
Pep Guardiola’s former starlet is thought to be attracting serious interest from Spurs and Serie A giants Juventus, but it is the Lilywhites who have apparently taken an out-of-window step.
It is believed Spurs have ‘come forward prematurely’ for Torres ahead of the summer – which presumably means an approach of some sort has been made.
Calciomercato don’t go into much detail beyond this but it appears Tottenham are out in front.
The Verdict: Great player…
The 23-year-old is a player of real promise, even if he hasn’t exactly been in the form of his life for Barcelona this season.
Scoring just two goals in 22 La Liga appearances over 22/23, Torres is perhaps stifled by the major competition he faces to gain a consistent place under Xavi.
The Catalans boss has held the versatile winger in high esteem, though, calling him ‘world class’ last year in a statement to the media.
Xavi said:
“Perhaps Ferran has surprised me the most. He’s a player on another level, he’s spectacular: how he understands the space, links play, doesn’t lose the ball, his defensive work… he’s world-class.
“He’s a great signing, one I wanted, and a wonderful footballer.”
This is a glowing endorsement from one of the best Spanish midfielders in history, and still young, Torres could yet improve.
A lot could come down to price tag and whether Barca are willing to part ways with the former Valencia star, but one thing is for certain, there is incentive for Spurs to make a move.
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