Tottenham Hotspur want to sign Barcelona defender Emerson Royal before the transfer deadline – but a bold swap offer has now been rejected.
That’s according to Fabrizio Romano, who took to Twitter on Saturday evening to claim that Tottenham had made a first move for Emerson.
The bid was a swap deal involving fellow right back Serge Aurier, who Tottenham are hoping to offload before the transfer window slams shut.
However, Barcelona have – somewhat unsurprisingly – said no to the idea, and it’s unclear whether Tottenham will manage to pull off this move.
The Telegraph reported on Saturday afternoon that Tottenham were keen on Emerson, seemingly looking to take him on loan with a view to a permanent move.
A swap for Aurier may have been floated, but that loan seems like a much more realistic attempt to get the Brazilian to North London.
Emerson, 22, only joined Barca in June having spent a couple of years with Real Betis due to a complicated co-ownership agreement.
Emerson has only made two substitute appearances in the league so far, playing only 27 minutes – and that may have prompted Tottenham’s attempt.
Aurier may well leave Tottenham before the deadline, but given that Barcelona already have Sergino Dest and Sergi Roberto, taking Aurier wouldn’t have made much sense.
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