Report: Tottenham offered world beater at peak of his powers, Poch makes decision

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Published on:

30 Aug 2017, 10:29 am

By Harry Sykes

Tottenham Hotspur were offered the chance to sign Paris Saint-Germain attackers Lucas Moura and Angel di Maria this summer, according to reports in France.

French football magazine France Football reported in its print edition, as quoted by website Get French Football, that Spurs had the opportunity to pursue the high profile pair.

It is said that manager Mauricio Pochettino rejected the chance to sign Moura as he does not think the Brazilian is good enough for the Premier League.

However, Pochettino was keen on landing his fellow Argentine Di Maria even though he failed to live up to his £60million fee during his season at Manchester United.

But France Football claim that the Spurs board over-ruled Pochettino as they deem the 86-times international as too expensive in a time where their budget is shackled by new stadium expenses.

Di Mario, 29, has been a key player for PSG since joining in 2015 from United, accumulating 29 goals and 41 goals from 94 appearances in all competitions.

The Argentine has started all four of their league matches this season and, given his pedigree for club and country, is regarded as world beater at the peak of his powers.

PSG’s respect of Uefa’s Financial Fair Play regulations were called into question by Barcelona and La Liga officials, the latter who actually attempted to block Neymar’s world-record move.

The Qatari-owned club are also close to signing Kylian Mbappe on a season-long loan before signing him permanently next summer, a move aimed at keeping in line with FFP.

Julian Draxler has been linked with a move out of the club with concerns his playing time will become restricted with Neymar’s arrival, something that will only become further lessened once Mbappe is confirmed.

In other Tottenham transfer news, there has been a twist in the club's pursuit of an explosive new signing.

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Paris Saint-Germain

Angel Di Maria

Tottenham Hotspur