According to HITC, Tottenham will miss out on Brazilian sensation Marcos Leonardo, who has agreed to join Benfica from Santos.
Leonardo has developed as one of the top young strikers in Brazilian football in recent years, with the centre-forward scoring 21 goals this season across all competitions (Transfermarkt).
Tottenham’s interest in the 20-year-old first surfaced last summer, when 90 minutes revealed that the Lilywhites are keeping tabs on him.
Fichajes later claimed in November that Ange Postecoglou’s side was one of many teams contemplating a January deal for the star.
Leonardo is expected to join Benfica despite Spurs speculation.
HITC has officially stated that Spurs were one of several Premier League clubs interested in Leonardo. According to the reports, West Ham showed the most interest, even holding serious conversations with Santos about a loan deal with an obligation to buy.
However, it has now been announced that both London clubs would miss out on the 20-year-old after he agreed to join Benfica.
According to the publication, the Portuguese giants are now preparing to finalize negotiations with Santos, with the sum anticipated to be around €18 million (£15.5 million).
Spurs Online Opinion
Many Brazilian youngsters select Portugal as their entry point into European football since they speak the same language and share comparable footballing cultures.
Leonardo may see Benfica as a good stepping stone before moving on to a top Premier League or La Liga club in two or three years.
