Tottenham Hotspur’s offer for a highly-rated young defender was turned down in the summer, but the club’s interest in the player has not gone away.
Spurs had an extremely busy summer transfer window, bringing a total of 10 new players through the door and completing a full rebuild of the squad.
Tottenham’s transfer strategy shifted substantially compared to previous years, with the club targeting proven Premier League performers rather than prospects.
However, it turns out that the Lilywhites also made a serious attempt to add one South American starlet to Roberto De Zerbi’s squad.
Tottenham failed with a move for Brazilian starlet Arthur Dias
According to Globo Esporte (as relayed by Sport Witness), Tottenham made a serious attempt to sign Athletico Paranaense centre-back Arthur Dias during the transfer window.
Dias is considered one of the best young defenders in Brazilian football, having impressed everyone with the composure and maturity he has displayed in the Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A.
Spurs looked to bring the 19-year-old to England and submitted a €21m (£18.2m) bid for 80 per cent of the player’s rights. However, that bid was turned down by Athletico Paranaense, who value Dias at €30m (£26m).
The report adds that Tottenham’s interest in the player has not gone away, and they could make further attempts to sign the teenager in the future.
Dias could soon hit the spotlight after impressing Carlo Ancelotti
Globo Esporte say that Spurs have done plenty of homework on the centre-back, having sent scouts to Brazil to watch him play over recent months.
It is not just Tottenham who have been impressed by Dias but also Brazil boss Carlo Ancelotti, who has named the 19-year-old in his preliminary squad for the September internationals.
The Italian and his coaching staff have liked what they have seen from Dias so far, raising the possibility that he could soon be handed his Selecao debut.