Barcelona defender not a priority for Tottenham, deal not progressing – Romano

In a devastating update for FC Barcelona, Fabrizio Romano is reporting that Tottenham Hotspur no longer see Clement Lenglet as a priority this summer and the deal with the Catalans is not progressing.

Lenglet spent the last season on loan at Tottenham and had a fairly solid campaign. Following that, it has been widely reported in Spain that the Lilywhites intend to sign the Frenchman permanently and that talks are taking place with Barcelona over a transfer.

Only yesterday, it was suggested that Tottenham and Lenglet had reached a principle agreement over a three-year contract.

But there was no agreement on a fee between the two clubs as Barça were holding out for €10 million while Spurs were willing to offer just €5 million.

However, now, Romano is reporting that Tottenham are not advancing the operation for Lenglet with Barcelona, with the deal no longer considered a priority by the Premier League club.

Instead, they have turned their focus to other possible targets such as Edmond Tapsoba, Micky van de Ven, and another player whose name has not been revealed. Decisions regarding the same will be made once they complete the acquisition of James Maddison.

Barcelona have been trying to get rid of players at the earliest possible this summer but have had little success. Lenglet appeared likely to be the first departure from the club this summer, but with Tottenham no longer seeing him as a priority, the Catalans must find other suitors for the French international.

Lenglet has a contract with Barça that runs until 2026 and has steep wages. So, it is crucial for the La Liga champions to get rid of the centre-half in their bid to reduce the salary mass, even if it means that they might have to compromise on the transfer fee a little.