Tottenham spoke directly to Real Madrid about a potential transfer for Marco Asensio this summer amid talks between the two clubs about potential deals.
That’s according to SER Deportivos, who name Spurs are one of three clubs to show an interest in Asensio.
Asensio was heavily linked with a move away from the Bernabeu all summer, having struggled for regular playing time over the last few years after a series of injuries.
It was felt he was one of several players the club could look to move on as they aimed not only to raise funds but also free up space for a big signing like Kylian Mbappé.
He ultimately ended up staying in the Spanish capital but has continued to be linked with a move away as he struggles for a place under Carlo Ancelotti.
Speculation is starting to ramp up ahead of the January transfer window, and one of the clubs regularly named as a suitor over the last week has been Tottenham.
They’re known to be admirers of the Spaniard, and it seems talks were held about a potential move in the summer.
“We have been investigating the recent rumours, and we are going to tell you the teams which have been interested in Marco Asensio so that you can see the interest that he has,” journalist Pacojó Delgado told the station.
“There was interest from three teams in Europe, and not just any three either. There was interest from Arsenal, there was interest from AC Milan, and there was a question sent to Real Madrid by Tottenham, not to the player’s environment.
“Arsenal said they were willing to put £34m on the table for the deal, a permanent transfer, not a loan or anything, but they didn’t reach an agreement.
“Milan, while they were doing the operation for Brahim Diaz, also considered doing one for Asensio.
“And Tottenham’s interest was, at the time, a result of them talking to Real Madrid to see what could happen, so I don’t know how Asensio’s name came up in those talks between Real Madrid and Tottenham.
“These are not just any three clubs; we are talking about Milan, Arsenal and Tottenham. In other words, Marco has big clubs interested in him.”
