The Mirror claim Tottenham are discussing a possible player-plus-cash deal to sign Villarreal defender Pau Torres – with Gio Lo Celso going the other way. Spurs see Torres as a better option than Inter Milan’s Stefan de Vrij.
Torres, 25, has been a stalwart in the Villarreal defence over the last four years – clocking up 130 games and becoming a Spain regular at the same time. He has been crucial in their run to the Champions League semi-final.
Last summer, Torres admitted he rejected a move to Tottenham in order to stay with Villarreal having qualified for the Champions League. A move that has paid off, given their run to the semis – before being beaten by Liverpool.
In April, La Razon claimed Torres is valued at £60million – which would mean Spurs would have to part with a near club-record fee. But Fabio Paratici is looking to reduce that fee, by offering a player-plus-cash deal.
Lo Celso opened his account for Villarreal last weekend against Sevilla, and has been excellent for the Yellow Submarine since joining them in January – since playing 18 games. Spurs want to include him in a deal for Torres.
Lo Celso and cash: What is a fair deal for Tottenham, to sign Torres?
Lo Celso was bought by Spurs for £27million, but his value will have gone down – other than his Villarreal loan. Arguably, a fee of £20million is probably fair. So, £30million and Lo Celso for Torres seems to make sense.
Certainly, Spurs are right to go after Torres given they could engineer a deal including Lo Celso, than de Vrij. The Inter star is now 30 and would probably cost more in wages. Torres would be a stunning Spurs addition.
