Tottenham has plans to sign Lautaro Martinez as the replacement for Harry Kane, but they may have missed their chance of achieving that now.
The Lilywhites face losing Kane in this transfer window, with Manchester City relentlessly pursuing a move for him.
He has also told them he wants to leave and he could force the transfer to the Premier League champions.
ESPN says Kane might still leave London before this transfer window closes and Tottenham has been preparing for that eventuality.
The report claims they want Martinez to replace him and they were ready to meet Inter Milan’s asking price before now.
The Italian champions were willing to sell him for £60m and Spurs thought that fee was acceptable, considering that they expect to make around £160m from the sale of Kane.
However, Inter no longer needs to sell after cashing in on Romelu Lukaku and they have increased their asking price for Martinez.
The report didn’t disclose how much the Italians want now and it remains unclear if Kane will eventually leave Tottenham before this transfer window closes.
Martinez is eyeing a new deal at the Italian club and the absence of Champions League football at Spurs could be a turn off.