Tottenham Hotspur have failed with an offer for a Serie A midfielder as they continue plotting reinforcements to their squad ahead of the new season.
Spurs have been proactive in the transfer window so far and have gone after Premier League-proven players, signalling a massive shift in the project.
After completing deals for Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi, Jan Paul van Hecke, and Martin Dubravka, we have seen the Lilywhites flex their financial muscles in a major way over the last two days.
Tottenham have shattered their transfer record twice in quick succession for Matues Fernandes and Sandro Tonali, but they have fallen short with a bid for another Italian midfielder.
Tottenham offer for Antonio Vergara turned down by Napoli
Over the past few weeks, several outlets have said that Spurs hold an interest in Antonio Vergara, with some sources even claiming that Roberto De Zerbi is pushing to bring the Napoli star to N17.
Journalist Fabio Cannavo has now revealed on Radio Marte (as relayed by Calcio Napoli 24) that the Lilywhites’ bid for the attacking midfielder has been turned down.
He claimed that the North London club sent an offer of €25m (£21.4m) to Naples for the 23-year-old, which was immediately sent back by the Serie A club.
Cannavo further adds that Napoli are now working to tie down Vergara to a new contract, with the club willing to raise his salary from €300,000 (£257k) per year to €2m (£1.7m).
Spurs’ midfield shopping is likely over
One would expect Tottenham to be done in terms of midfield additions after completing deals for both Tonali and Fernandes.
The Lilywhites struggled for goals last season, and De Zerbi will be aware that his side need to add more quality to their forward line.
Reports indicate that Spurs want to add two more attackers to their squad, including a left-winger, before the start of the new campaign.