Eighteen goals in two seasons: Tottenham lead the race to sign £22.8m international playmaker – report

By Alex Taylor

Tottenham have emerged as front runners to sign Palermo attacking midfielder Franco Vazquez this summer, according to a report.

Italian website Tuttosport claim Spurs are regarded as the firm favourites to sign Vazquez but may end up having to pay in excess of £20million for the Argentine-born Italy international.

However, the Londoners will face competition from abroad as Vazquez is also highly regarded by Serie A big hitters Fiorentina. Manager Paulo Sousa is reported to believe that he could be the prefect addition for his side.

It is said that Spurs could bid up to £22.8million for the 27-year-old in order to lure him to the Premier League.

Vazquez has been a consistent performer in Serie A in recent years, scoring eight goals and six assists in 36 matches in the competition this season.

He was even more effective in 2014/15, with his 37 league appearances yielding 10 goals and 11 assists.

It is said that Vazquez, who has previously been a target for Italian heavyweights Juventus, has decided he wants to move to a club that can offer European football.

Bigger Italian clubs Napoli, Lazio and Roma are also reportedly interested in the player but Spurs could blow them out of the water with a greater financial package.

Vazquez has three years remaining on his contract after signing an extension with Palermo in January of last year.

In other Tottenham transfer news, the club are ready to offer three players in part-exchange to land a £20million striker target.