Last weekend, we relayed news from Spain that Barcelona and Tottenham Hotspur are in advanced negotiations over a deal for Clément Lenglet.
The 28-year-old spent last season on loan at the north London club, who are aiming to buy him this summer.
A ‘confidential’ report from Sport states the deal to take the defender to Tottenham was well on track after he ‘reached an agreement’ for a three-year deal. This led to claims his exit would be imminent but that wasn’t the case.
Even though talks between the clubs have been open, progress hasn’t been made in this operation.
That’s because Barca considered Spurs’ offer to be low and stood firm to demand €15m for the centre-back. They are of the belief other clubs could meet their request. This, as per Sport, is a ‘dangerous move’.
It’s not clear whether or not the Catalan club are bluffing but the report states they ‘risk blowing up everything’ since retaining Lenglet would be a significant blow in their efforts to lower their wage bill.
Tottenham and Barcelona ‘keep talking’ but if the former were to sign another centre-back, the Camp Nou side will have a ‘big problem’. This would indicate Spurs have the upper hand to take Lenglet, and should hold firm.
Another report from Sport says the Frenchman is Marseille’s ‘great dream’, but he ‘prioritises’ a move to the Premier League, where Spurs are keen to sign him. This has seen the Ligue 1 side shift their focus to Barca’s Eric García.
To sum it up, the Catalan outlet are suggesting Barca soften their stance to allow Lenglet to move to Tottenham.
