Tottenham Hotspur have been deterred in their bid to sign Barcelona forward Ferran Torres, according to reports - with the Lilywhites having seen an offer rejected for the Valencia youth graduate as Daniel Levy ventures back on the transfer offensive.
Spurs' dismal campaign in the Premier League last time out has seen a need for squad depth to be improved, but they're in a great position to do so, having qualified for the Champions League via a Europa League win - and that has given them an enhanced budget to spend. With that in mind, a move for Torres has been looked at, even if they've been so far unsuccessful.
Report: Tottenham 'Have £43m Bid Rejected' for Ferran Torres
The report by Fichajes states that Torres has generated a lot of interest among top Premier League clubs, with Tottenham being one of those in the race for his signature.
Barcelona have decided not to sell the Spain international in the current window, despite receiving a £43million offer from Tottenham in recent days. Torres was previously on the transfer list at the Camp Nou, but he's since earned a place in the Catalonian giants' first-team after some top performances in La Liga last season - and his role as a substitute has seen him earn the trust of German boss Hansi Flick, who doesn't want the core of his team to be chopped and changed.
Interest in Torres' services is nothing new, with other Premier League clubs also in the race for him, though Tottenham have placed the former Manchester City star as a 'priority target' as Thomas Frank looks to bolster the attacking nature of his squad ahead of their Premier League curtain raiser against Burnley next weekend.
Despite Barcelona having financial issues, club president Joan Laporta and director of football Deco have discouraged the sale of Torres, wanting stability to compete in La Liga - and that has seen Tottenham's hopes for a move dwindle for the £210,000-a-week star.
GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Ferran Torres has 44 goals in 158 games for Barcelona.
The Lilywhites have already signed Mohammed Kudus from West Ham United this summer, but a failed move for Morgan Gibbs-White has shown that they're still looking to add to their attacking ranks - alongside linked moves for Como star Nico Paz and more.
Club legend Son Heung-min has completed a move to MLS outfit Los Angeles FC, whilst youngster Mikey Moore has been sent on loan to Scottish Premiership side Rangers for a season - meaning that there is space on the left-side of their flanks to oust young duo Mathys Tel and Wilson Odobert, as well as competition for Dominic Solanke.