Report: Levy is £5m short as Spurs and Paratici battle to get deal done for 23-cap ace

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Spurs and Daniel Levy are still some £5m short of Bologna’s valuation of Takehiro Tomiyasu, as Fabio Paratici looks to get this one over the line.

It has been reported in recent days that the Japanese star has already agreed personal terms with Tottenham. The club are expected to eventually get a deal over the line, but are struggling to match Bologna’s terms.

The Telegraph reports that Spurs and Daniel Levy are still some £5m short of the £21.5m that the Serie A side want. Spurs were hoping to conclude a deal for around £17m, but Bologna are now digging their heels.

Tomiyasu, who has 23 caps for Japan and is still only 22, has been identified as a key summer target. The club are desperate to add new defenders for Nuno Santo.

Tomiyasu is seen as ideal for Santo and his expected 3-4-3 system. He can play centre-back, or even push to right and defensive midfield if needed.

Spurs are desperate to make a splash in this window. Paratici’s appointment has caught plenty of attention. The Italian, then, will be keen to see this one gets over the line.

Playing hard-ball

This is classic transfer window tactics from Bologna. They know Spurs need someone. They also know Spurs want Tomiyasu. It makes perfect sense, then, for them to cling onto the defender.

Spurs will eventually pay up or find a compromise here. The deal seems too far down the line to stop now.

However, given this window and the last few weeks, nothing would surprise anyone with Tottenham. Levy, then, needs to find the cash to fund this deal or face a backlash.