Tottenham want Spanish star to aid Premier League title bid
Published:Harry Redknapp has been told by his chairman Daniel Levy that he must trim his squad before he can considerably strengthen it this January, as Tottenham look to close in on a maiden Premier League title.
And it could be a case of one in, one out, as Spurs look set to turn their attentions to Atletic Bilbao hitman Fernando Llorente, whose move to White Hart Lane has been repeatedly mooted over the past few years.
The towering Spanish striker would relish the chance to showcase his undoubted ability in one of the world’s best current footballing sides ahead of Euro 2012, in order to stake his claim for a starting berth in Vicente del Bosque’s side.
An icon at Bilbao though, Llorente would not come cheap, indeed likely to command a fee of around £24million, which would smash Tottenham’s transfer record.
They would have to sell to raise those kinds of funds, but Levy will not be forced into allowing his players to leave on cut-price deals, as proved by the £20million valuation he has placed on Jermain Defoe.
The England striker has emerged as somewhat of a surprise target for Liverpool, as Kenny Dalglish looks to add some much-needed firepower to his squad in the absence of the suspended Luis Suarez, and amidst the less than sparkling form being shown by Andy Carroll.
It is believed that Dalglish sees Defoe, who is Spurs’ top scorer across all competitions, as an ideal solution to his attacking problems for a fee in the region of £10million.
But with Tottenham being quoted an astronomical £22million for another prime target, Marseille striker Loic Remy, Levy has outlined a will to hold out for double the price.
Spurs could do business for a lesser fee if they do manage to snap up either of the forwards they want in the transfer window, but Remy looks unlikely to join after professing his loyalty to his current employers in recent weeks.
