Lautaro Martinez transfer talks ‘progressing’ as Tottenham seek two more transfer deals

In pictures: Tottenham v Man City

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Tottenham are set to continue their pursuit of adding further signings to Nuno Espirito Santo’s squad as the club are in two talks over two potential signings. Talks are progressing for Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez, while Villarreal confirmed they have rejected an offer for centre-back Pau Torres.

Spurs began their Premier League season with a shock 1-0 win over Manchester City without their talisman Harry Kane.

The 28-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to the Etihad Stadium and reports suggested a £120million deal had been discussed by the two clubs last week.

Kane’s absence from the Spurs squad only increased the speculation regarding his future at the club after making clear his intention to leave this summer.

And with a sale still possible before the transfer window shuts on August 31, Tottenham are making contingency plans.

Spurs have already splashed out £63million this summer under new sporting director Fabio Paratici.

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The north London outfit landed Atalanta centre-back Cristian Romero for £42m and goalkeeper Pierliugi Gollini on loan as part of their focus on signing Serie A talent.

Paratici also negotiated the deal that brought Spain international Bryan Gil from Sevilla for £21m plus Erik Lamela.

But according to The Times, Spurs are nowhere near done in terms of completing their transfer business.

News of their £60m offer to Inter Milan to sign striker Lautaro Martinez made the headlines earlier in August before it emerged that the Argentine was happy to stay at the San Siro.

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Despite that, Tottenham are believed to be locked in discussions over a deal for the 23-year-old, who scored 15 goals for the Italian champions last season.

It was initially thought Spurs would prefer to line up with Martinez partnering Kane and Heung-min Son in attack.

But with Man City chasing the England star, Martinez could be regarded as a high-profile replacement.

Despite signing Romero and having Davinson Sanchez, Eric Dier and Joe Rodon available, Nuno is keen to bring in another centre-back and has moved for Villarreal’s Pau Torres.

The centre-back played a key role for Spain at Euro 2020 and also featured at the Olympics as Spain reached the Gold Medal match before losing to Brazil.

The report claims that Torres, who played a key role in their historic Europa League triumph last season, has reservations about leaving his hometown club.

The 24-year-old wants to play in the Champions League and while the LaLiga outfit will enter the group stage draw in September, Spurs are playing in the newly-founded Europa Conference League.

Villarreal boss Unai Emery confirmed Spurs had made an approach for the £55m-rated Spain international at the weekend.

However, the former Arsenal boss claimed that while the Spanish club would be open to offers for the defender, the offer from Spurs was not good enough.

“Pau is a player from the house we love and we are open to his growth, so if great offers arrive and they are good for everyone, there could be a way out,” he said in a press conference on Friday.

“We are aware that the player can grow, that they will arrive big teams and that these operations would also serve so that the team can grow economically and be able to sign.

“To this day we think that it remains because, although it is an offer from a weighty and important club, it still does not meet the requirements.”

It is unclear how much Tottenham offered for Torres, but the Spain International’s release clause is thought to be as high as £55.4m after he reached a certain number of caps playing for his country.

However, if the club decide to sell Kane this summer for £120m, it is likely they would be able to afford both Martinez and Torres should they reach an agreement for the pair.

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