Athletico Paranaense director Alexandre Mattos has rubbished speculation that rumoured Tottenham target, Vitor Roque, is edging closer to an exit from the club.
Roque made quite an impression in his breakthrough season at Paranense last campaign and the centre-forward has started off the new season in electric form, having found the back of the net four times in six league games (Transfermarkt).
Globo Esporte reported last week that Spurs are one of many European clubs who have been alerted to the youngster’s potential.
The publication revealed that Roque’s entourage has been in Europe speaking to several sides, including Tottenham, about a summer transfer.
The report added that two English clubs had promised to make offers for the 18-year-old in the summer but did not provide details regarding who those clubs were.
However, they did reveal that the likes of Barcelona, Arsenal, Aston Villa, Chelsea and Liverpool, along with a few others, are among the teenager’s admirers.
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Mattos has now poured cold water on the speculation over Roque’s future, dismissing suggestions that the striker is destined to depart the club.
The Paranaense director told Globo Esporte: “There’s absolutely nothing to it except the pain of people saying that ‘he’s sold’, that ‘Barcelona want him’.
“At the right time, if something comes up that the president thinks is worthwhile, then we’ll talk.
“It’s worth remembering that we made the biggest investment in our history.”
Spurs Web Opinion
A club like Athletico Paranaense would not be able to turn down the millions that European clubs would offer, which is why it looks fairly likely that Roque would leave this summer.
However, I would be surprised if the teenager joins a Premier League club as English football is not a particularly favoured landing destination for young Brazilian players who are looking to come to Europe.
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