Tottenham Hotspur’s potential loaning of fringe striker Vincent Janssen to Real Betis has fallen through after club chairman Daniel Levy increased the loan fee by £1 million at the last minute, according to The Sun.
The Spurs centre forward is clearly not part of Mauricio Pochettino’s plans and is being tipped to leave the North London club before Thursday’s deadline passes.
The report suggests that Betis were ready to bring Janssen to Spain for the rest of the season, but due to the late increase in loan fee walked away from the deal.
While this does not mean that the Tottenham man will definitely stay at the club now, as other clubs circle, if this move by Levy is true it is slightly baffling.
Getting players off the wage bill should be a priority for a Spurs outfit that seemingly do not have funds available to strengthen Pochettino’s squad.
Janssen having a successful loan spell elsewhere could well facilitate a permanent exit in the summer – the Netherlands international wasting away in the fringes at Tottenham helps no-one.
Levy is renowned for his fierce negotiating stance and at times this has led to Spurs saving money and getting bargain deals.
However, in this instance most of the Tottenham fans will be miffed by the tactic – especially if another suitor does not pay his ransom for Janssen before the day is out.