According to the agent of Bayer Leverkusen striker Lucas Alario, who spoke to TNT Sports via Sport Witness, Tottenham 'had the chance' to seal a summer loan move when they were searching for a back up striker to Harry Kane - but both the player and his representative ended up declining. 

Alario, who scored seven goals and assisted three others for the German club last campaign, was reportedly approached by Spurs and Daniel Levy before they sealed a temporary deal with an option to buy for Benfica star Carlos Vinicius.

Alario declined deal

The 8-cap Argentina international, who scored three goals over those appearances for his country, is currently valued at around £12.15 million by Transfermarkt - with the 28-year-old reportedly attracting Spurs' interest over the summer.

Former Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino had been keeping tabs as far back as 2017 according to the Independent, eyeing a move for his compatriot, who has been likened to Didier Drogba. 

Now, as per his agent, Spurs could have sealed a summer loan deal for the player - three years after Pochettino first signalled the intent to bring him to north London.

“We had opportunities to go out on loan and he chose to stay,” agent Pedro Aldave told TNT Sports via Sport Witness.

“I think Lucas can be in a top team today. Everything is very relative, many times the players of the top teams reach the end of the championship shattered.

“It’s easier to make the leap from Argentina to a top team, on the other hand, if you already came to Europe it’s more difficult. We had the chance of Tottenham, which is a top club, but to go and watch the games from the stands, it doesn’t work.

Transfer Tavern take

The comments from Alario's agent suggest it was a matter of concerns over playing time rather than disrespect towards the north London club, so one has to respect the player's decision in that regard.

Judging by his meagre market value and past plaudits though, Alario could have been a snip, but Spurs supporters won't be seething given the acquisition of Vinicius - who has already impressed under manager Jose Mourinho.

In other news: Tottenham are being urged to bin this 'unbelievable' ace, find out more here.