Tottenham round-up: Venezuelan midfielder targeted; Barcelona bid for former flop; behind in striker race

Add as preferred source on Google

According to reports coming from Spain over the past few days, Tottenham have set their sights on signing young Venezuelan midfielder Yeferson Soteldo this summer.

Don Balon claim that Mauricio Pochettino is set to prepare a 18 million euros (£16 million) bid for the exciting youngster after he caught the eye during Venezuela’s impressive run to the recent Under-20 World Cup final.

The report alleges that the North London outfit would have to battle with close rivals Watford and Italian side Atalanta to secure Soteldo’s signature, with demand growing across Europe.

The 20-year-old attacking midfielder currently plays his football for Chilean side Huachipato in the Primera Division, arriving in January, and he scored 21 goals in 84 matches for previous side Zamora.

Meanwhile, reports in The Sun have said that Spanish giants Barcelona have had a bid in the region of £17.5 million rejected by Chinese Super League side Guangzhou Evergrande for Brazilian Paulinho.

The 28-year-old midfielder struggled during his time at White Hart Lane after moving to London back in 2013, failing to reach his full potential, but he has re-invented himself by starring in Asia.

[interaction id=”595e63f7f2d4938713c396d3″]

After helping Guangzhou Evergrande to two Chinese Super League successes, one Chinese FA Cup and the AFC Champions League he’s alerted the attention of Europe’s top clubs again – including Barcelona.“

Paulinho made 67 appearances for Tottenham during his two-year spell in the Premier League, scoring ten times, and has been a prominent figure in the Brazilian national side in recent years.

Lastly, reports from Italy today have claimed that Tottenham are set to miss out on Sassuolo’s star forward Gregoire Defrel after Serie A rivals Roma have seemingly secured their man.

Forza Roma allege that personal terms have been agreed between the 26-year-old Frenchman and Roma – although no agreement has been made yet on a price, with Sassulo’s valuation not budging.

It is understood that Roma have bid around £16 million for Defrel but Sassuolo aren’t willing to negotiate on their asking price of £22 million, meaning that negotiations have currently stalled.

This will come as a blow for Tottenham as they look to secure their first signing of the summer transfer window, with Sky Italia reporting their interest in the French forward just a fortnight ago.

Featured Image: All rights reserved by Alejandro Feo la Cruz.