It has now emerged that Real Madrid played a major hand in ensuring Tottenham’s huge offer for Nico Paz was rejected on Sunday.
Spurs are now in a race against time to bring a number ten through the door, with only a week left until the transfer window slams shut.
It was claimed by Gianluca Di Marzio on Saturday that Spurs will return with an improved offer for Paz after their €40m (£34.6m) offer was rejected at the start of August.
That bid came on Sunday evening, with Tottenham reportedly sending a €70m (£60.7m) bid to Como for Paz, but that too was turned down by the Serie A club.
What Real Madrid did after Tottenham’s big offer for Nico Paz
Fabrizio Romano has explained on his YouTube channel that Real Madrid have control over Paz even though he is officially a Como player.
This is because the La Liga giants have the right to match any offer for the 20-year-old, a 50 per cent sell-on clause, and a buy-back clause for next summer worth just £10m.
Romano has pointed out that Como would have only received £30m even if Tottenham Hotspur’s £60m had been accepted due to Madrid’s sell-on clause.
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Further, the journalist adds that Los Blancos contacted the Serie A club to make it clear that they are willing to match any bid that Spurs make and are willing to compensate them in the future for rejecting the North London club’s offers.
Paz wants to stay at Como despite Spurs bid
Additionally, Romano reveals in his YouTube video that despite Tottenham’s interest, Nico Paz is keen to continue working with Cesc Fabregas, having developed a good relationship with the Spanish coach.
He explains that the youngster’s priority is to play regularly this season to give himself the best chance of being in Argentina’s team for next year’s World Cup.
As a result, the attacking midfielder has decided to stay at Stadio Comunale, and Romano adds that his move to N17 is not progressing at the moment.