Liverpool continue to play hardball over Philippe Coutinho, leaving Barcelona to consider alternative targets.
According to the Independent, Tottenham plan to resist their advances for Christian Eriksen, the other playmaker high on Ernesto Valverde’s wishlist.
With Andres Iniesta not expected to renew his one-year contract, the Blaugrana are looking for a successor to the veteran midfielder.
Eriksen is criminally underrated in the Premier League and is crucial to making Spurs’ midfield tick.
If Liverpool are proving stubborn regarding Coutinho, then Barca have no idea what’s coming if they wish to deal with Daniel Levy.
Of all their first-team starts, Spurs have only sanctioned the sale of Kyle Walker so far this summer, though that may change if a bid comes in for Danny Rose.
This is far from a back-up plan for Barcelona, who had prepared themselves for rejection from Liverpool.
Ultimately, this is just one more rumour that Mauricio Pochettino does not need on the eve of the first game of the season away to Newcastle tomorrow.
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