Tottenham Hotspur are turning their attention to try to sign Italy and Roma left back Federico Balzaretti, according to a report in The Sunday Times newspaper today.

The paper also reports that it’s unlikely that Fabio Coentrao will be included in the deal to let Bale go to Real Madrid, but that Tottenham — if and when they sell Bale — may want to spend some of that cash on Balzaretti.

The newspaper reports:

“Madrid have attempted to reduce the financial demands of the [Gareth Bale] transfer by offering players in exchange, in particular their unsettled Portugal left back Fabio Coentrao, Tottenham are leaning towards a straight cash sale. As of yesterday, Coentrao was not due to be included either as a permanent signing or a single-season loan. 

“Instead, the White Hart Lane club will use the proceeds from the deal to further strengthen and rebalance a squad that already looks one of the strongest in the division. The frustration of losing Willian to Chelsea after the Brazil attacking midfielder underwent a Tottenham medical last week is to be directed into the purchase of Erik Lamela. AS Roma are asking €40m for the Argentina forward, but are likely to complete the deal at a slight discount. 

“Tottenham’s recently appointed director of football Franco Baldini has also discussed the possibility of taking Federico Balzaretti from his former club on loan. Both the Italy left back and Lamela were recruited by Baldini during his two-year spell as Roma’s general director. Balzaretti is unpopular with the Serie A side’s fans and is keen to move.”

Here are today’s world soccer news headlines:

Premier League

Major League Soccer

Serie A

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