Tottenham are stepping up their interest in Spanish striker Roberto Soldado as chairman Daniel Levy seeks to build a team around Gareth Bale that can challenge for the Premier League title next season.
While Bale is finding out tonight if he has won the PFA Player of the Year award, a delegation from Spurs will be in the Basque city of San Sebastian watching Soldado, 27, play for Valencia against Real Sociedad.
Lane-bound? Tottenham could be lining up a move for Valencia striker Roberto Soldado
Applause: Spurs want Soldado to be part of a rebuild around Gareth Bale to challenge for the title
Soldado, who started his career at Real Madrid, has been one of the most consistent scorers in Spain with 70 goals in 105 starts in three seasons for Valencia after signing from Getafe as a replacement for David Villa.
His 22 goals this season have kept Valencia in contention for a Champions League place in fifth, two points behind Sociedad.
Although quoted £30million for Soldado a year ago, Tottenham may be able to knock the fee down to £20m due to Valencia’s financial problems, like other Spanish clubs.
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Levy is confident of convincing Bale his ambitions can be realised at White Hart Lane. Spurs, whose 2-2 Premier League draw at Wigan dented their hopes of a top-four finish, rate Bale at £70m believe he will want to stay in the Premier League.
The Welshman has become a father for the first time and is being paid well to promote BT Vision, who will show Premier League football next season.
Spurs intend to sign at least one forward in addition to Soldado, with QPR’s Loic Remy, Edin Dzeko of Manchester City, Southampton’s Rickie Lambert and Leandro Damiao, of Brazilian club Internacional, possibilities.
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