Tottenham have held ‘swap-deal’ talks over £60m target at Hotspur Way | OneFootball

Tottenham Hotspur target Pau Torres has ‘been the subject of initial swap-deal discussions’, according to Daily Express journalist Ryan Taylor.

Spurs are known to be in the market for a left-sided centre-back this summer, and the Villarreal star is believed to high up on manager Antonio Conte’s wish list.

As per Sky Italia (via TEAMtalk), Tottenham are ‘working on a deal’ for Torres, who earns £63,000-per-week, with an opening offer being prepared.

It’s believed that the Spain international could cost as little as £42 million despite him reportedly having a £55m buyout clause inserted into his contract, which doesn’t expire until 2024.

And Spurs’ director of football Fabio Paratici could offer a sweetener to the Yellow Submarine in the shape of midfielder Giovani Lo Celso.

The Argentina international spent the second half of last season on loan at Villarreal, making 22 appearances as Unai Emery’s underdogs reached the semi-finals of the Champions League.

As a result, the La Liga outfit are said to be prepared to pay up to £17m to secure Lo Celso’s services on a permanent basis, opening the door for Torres to move in the opposite direction.

What has Taylor said about Torres?

Spurs could face stiff competition for Torres’ signature as Premier League giants Manchester United and Chelsea have also been credited with an interest in him.

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Nevertheless, the north London outfit could have the upper-hand in any negotiations as Taylor has revealed a potential exchange has already been mentioned in talks between the two clubs.

He told GiveMeSport: “Torres has been the subject of initial swap-deal discussions with Villarreal because obviously, they want to sign Lo Celso on a permanent basis. Torres is left-footed and can play in a back-three as well.”

Would Spurs receive a fair deal?

Tottenham made Lo Celso’s stay at Hotspur Way permanent for £27m back in January 2020 following an initial loan move.

That means Antonio Conte’s charges would make a significant loss on the South American, yet it could be worthwhile if it means they are able to snap up Torres ahead of his other potential suitors.

As per FBref, the 6 foot 3 ace has ranked in the 99th percentile for dribbles completed and the 90th for both progressive carries and progressive passes compared to fellow centre-backs over the last year.

These figures illustrate that Torres, who is valued at £60m by CIES, is undoubtedly an elite-level performer with the ball at his feet, capable of improving Tottenham’s options at the heart of defence.

Yet he ranks in just the 29th percentile for aerial duels won, raising serious questions over his ability to cope with the physical demands of the Premier League.

Conte may see Torres as a risk worth taking, though, especially if it means he can offload the unwanted Lo Celso at the same time.