Euro giants hope Tottenham sign their ‘world-class’ £32m star this summer

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Barcelona hope Tottenham Hotspur can convince Clement Lenglet to move to the Premier League this year, with Antonio Conte showing interest in the defender’s potential transfer.

That’s according to ESPN, who report Spurs have been in talks with the Blaugrana over the centre-back for several weeks. Xavi Hernandez does not intend on utilising the Frenchman at the Camp Nou next term, after only playing 15 of a possible 26 La Liga games under him.

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Club chiefs at the Catalan giants would prefer to sell Lenglet this summer with the 27-year-old under contract until 2026. But Barcelona are willing to sanction a loan deal to clear his wages from their accounts, with Spurs prepared to cover a large amount of his weekly pay.

Barcelona hope Tottenham can convince Lenglet to leave with Conte interested

But while Tottenham are interested in Lenglet and Barcelona are prepared to facilitate his departure, the Blaugrana feel the 15-cap France international needs convincing of a move to England. Conte may step in to smooth out the blip and speak to him in the coming days.

Xavi has already told Lenglet to find a new club this summer as he is not a part of his plans. But Barcelona have struggled to find new homes for those on the fringes at the Camp Nou like their £32m signing from Sevilla in 2018, who also has a €300m (£258m) release clause.

Barcelona are willing to accept substantially less than the termination clause and far less than what they paid Sevilla, though. Sport have previously cited just a €15m (£13m) price tag, but note his €10m-a-year (£165k-a/w) salary has put an end to many clubs’ pursuits.

Tottenham are interested in signing Lenglet – who France boss Didier Deschamps labelled as ‘world-class’ – nonetheless, and remain in talks with Barcelona. Conte now stepping in to convince the defender of a move to England would only emphasis their interest in him.