Fabrizio Romano has said that Tottenham Hotspur tried their best to hijack Barcelona’s move for Brazilian sensation Vitor Roque last summer, hinting that the club could now try again to sign the youngster this summer.
Roque is widely viewed as one of the best-attacking talents to emerge from Brazilian football over the last few years.
The striker has outstanding numbers in front of goal since breaking into Athletico Paranaense’s senior side and even though he only turned 19 a couple of months ago, he has already been capped by the Selecao.
During last summer’s transfer window, Mundo Deportivo reported that Spurs were trying to hijack Barcelona’s move for the teenager as the Catalan giants were delaying sending over the papers for the transfer despite striking a deal with Paranaense.
However, in the end, Barca managed to wrap up the deal for the centre-forward, signing him for an initial fee of £26m, which could rise to £52m if some performance-related add-ons are achieved (Daily Mail).
The youngster linked up with the La Liga club in January but he has found game time hard to come by, having started just two league games for the Catalan giants (Transfermarkt).
It was reported by TBR Football a couple of days ago that Roque could be allowed to leave Camp Nou this summer, with his availability thought to have alerted the likes of Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham.
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Could Spurs rekindle interest in Vitor Roque?
Romano has now revealed on his YouTube channel that Tottenham tried to swoop for Roque at the last moment after everything was agreed verbally with Barca.
The journalist revealed that the Lilywhites were even prepared to offer €40m (£34.3m) for the teenager but it was too late at the time.
He adds that it is now a matter of waiting and watching to see who shows interest in offering the Brazilian a route out of Camp Nou this summer.
Spurs Web Opinion
Roque’s agent has made it very clear that the striker does not want a loan. So if Barca do put him up for sale, one would expect Tottenham to join the club queue of clubs after the teenager, given that they showed keen interest in his services just 12 months ago.
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