Tottenham Hotspur have been strongly linked with Boca Juniors ace Wilmar Barrios.
Tottenham Hotspur continue to be linked with a move for Boca Juniors ace Wilmar Barrios – but new teammate Sebastian Villa has told Clarin that he has begged him to stay.
Barrios, 24, made his name with Deportes Tolima in his native Colombia before making a move to Argentina with Boca in 2016, where he has continued to impress.
The combative midfielder has been playing for Colombia at this summer’s World Cup in Russia, and he made something of a name for himself against England by headbutting Jordan Henderson – yet only received a yellow card.
Barrios was slammed for his conduct, but he could end up in the Premier League next season given regular links with a move to join Tottenham Hotspur this summer.
Marca Colombia reported over the weekend that Spurs have been in contact with the family of Barrios in order to gauge whether a move could be a possibility, continuing Tottenham’s interest in him.
With Mauricio Pochettino seemingly pushing for his signature, Barrios could be heading to North London – but a familiar face to the midfielder is attempting to block a move.
Boca have swooped to land Deportes Tolima forward Sebastian Villa, with the Colombian – a former teammate of Barrios in their homeland – reuniting in Buenos Aires.
Villa has now told Clarin that he has begged Barrios to stay for another six months so that they can play in the same team again, but left the decision up to him.
“I asked him to stay at least 6 more months to play together again and win titles with this club,” said Barrios. “The decision will be his and he have a great future in your career, but I hope I have convinced him,” he added.
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