Tottenham have seen their €40 million (£34.6m) bid for Nico Paz rejected by Como, according to reports in Italy.
The 20-year-old, who was born in Tenerife but represents Argentina at international level, joined Como in a €6m (£5m) deal from Real Madrid last year.
Paz impressed in his first season in Serie A with six goals and eight assists and has already been linked with a return to Madrid.
Spurs, meanwhile, remain in the market for a new attacking midfielder after failing to sign Morgan Gibbs-White from Nottingham Forest.
Tottenham’s need for further midfield reinforcements has also been heightened this week as James Maddison is expected to miss the majority of the upcoming season with an ACL injury.
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According to Sky Sport Italy’s Gianluca Di Marzio, Spurs have begun talks with Como to sign Paz but their opening bid of €40m (£34.6m) has been turned down by the Serie A side.
The report claims that Como value Paz at €70m (£60.7m) and Spurs would need to offer at least €60m (£52m) for a deal to be considered.
Real Madrid are also a factor as they included clause as part of their deal to sell Paz to Como last year which allows them to match Spurs’ offer, or receive 50 per cent of midfielder’s sell-on fee.
Speaking at the end of last season, Como’s head coach, Cesc Fabregas, made it clear to Paz that he will need regular playing time if he wants to secure a place in Argentina’s World Cup squad next summer.
‘We don’t know anything, he’s our player and for now he’s staying with us,’ Fabregas said.
‘It’s important for him to play next season, which will lead to the World Cup.
‘I don’t know if he’s ready for Real Madrid yet , we have an excellent relationship with them because we’re very interested in other players from their squad, and they know we play young players.
‘If they need us, we’re here, but for now they haven’t told us anything.’
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