Fulham have reportedly moved ahead of Tottenham Hotspur in the race to sign the Boca Juniors midfielder.
According to a report from ESPN Colombia, Fulham are ready to activate the £16million release clause in the contract of Boca Juniors midfielder Wilmar Barrios, but Tottenham surely cannot allow the west London outfit to beat them to the Colombia international’s signature.
Read: Betting: £20m midfielder listed as Tottenham’s most likely signing this summer
The 24-year-old shone for his country at the World Cup in Russia this summer, whilst displaying all of the attributes that are required to be a success in the Premier League.
With Mousa Dembele facing an uncertain future with Spurs, Mauricio Pochettino will surely be looking to bolster his midfield ranks at White Hart Lane, and Barrios is the perfect candidate for the job.
Marca Colombia reported earlier this month that Tottenham are keen on signing Barrios, but they are yet to make their move for the tenacious midfielder.
The Lilywhites have plenty of creative, attack-minded players at the club, and the Boca Juniors ace would provide great balance to Poch’s setup.
He possesses energy in abundance, and he would be the ideal long-term replacement for Dembele, should the Belgian end up leaving White Hart Lane.
Whilst Fulham are undoubtedly a club on the rise, they are not in the same league as Tottenham, and the north London outfit simply cannot allow their rivals to beat them in the race for Barrios’ signature.
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