Report: Tottenham ramp up pursuit of Colombian international with £14.5m release clause
Tottenham have stepped up their interest for Boca Juniors midfielder Wilmar Barrios, according to a report.
The Independent claim that his side has made an "impassioned plea" to hold onto their man, urging him to delay his move to Tottenham until the January transfer window.
The Argentine side have offered him a new deal in a bid to keep him for the Copa Libertadores campaign, but may not have any say in his decision as he has a £14.5million release clause.
He had said he would stay before the World Cup, but since joining up with his Colombian teammates, his message has become "muddled".
A source close to the player said it would be hard for him to turn down a "life-changing financial offer".
Football Insider verdict:
Midfield is said to be a priority for Tottenham this summer, and there have been reports linking both Mousa Dembele and Victor Wanyama with moves away this summer. Barrios would be a real Pochettino replacement – a young, strong international, with bags of talent. His £14.5million release clause makes him an absolute steal and while his club are readying a new contract for him, they can't compete with the new financial muscle of Tottenham. He might be unproven in the Premier League but he's got the chance to show off his skills in the World Cup, and Tottenham fans will be keen to tune in and watch him in action. The report claims that word in Colombia says the deal is already done, but that seems premature. However, if Poch and Daniel Levy want him, they can easily afford him and his teammate Davinson Sanchez should be able to put in a good word for Spurs in Russia.
In other Tottenham transfer news, Levy is plotting a £15million swoop for a Championship playmaker.