Loan option looks likely to have scuppered Tottenham Hotspur transfer

We’ve never been fully convinced that Tottenham Hotspur were genuinely interested in Tony Sanabria, but the Spanish, English and Italian media have insisted the club are.

When the rumours started it was clear that a Sanabria saga was starting, and nothing would be simple or quick, that was judged upon the way the player left Barcelona, and the circus which surrounded that move.

The complication rumbles on, and after claims Tottenham have walked away from a potential deal, the reason why may be carried in Marca today.

Of course, this takes an assumption there was ever anything to walk away from… but stick with us here.

Marca explain that Betis and their manager Gus Poyet are working on a deal for Sanabria, who is keen to play in Spain after his Sporting Gijon loan last season.

The problem is that Roma don’t want to let the player fully go. The Paraguayan is considered to be a very talented youngster and he’s already shown signs of fulfilling his potential, so Roma want to hedge their bets.

That would see some kind of loan, with or without a purchase option, a buyback clause, or Roma being guaranteed a percentage of any future transfer fee.

It’s a messy mess, and if Tottenham were interested then the idea of a loan and/or giving up a future transfer fee is likely to have scuppered things.