Fabio Paratici could live to regret failed Tottenham transfer after Xavi claim over Adama Traore

Tottenham were in for Adama Traore last month, but the Spanish winger ended up re-signing for Barcelona on a loan deal until the end of the season.

Spurs held talks with the 26-year-old wide man's entourage over the January transfer window and were understood to be close to signing him at one point.

However, when Barcelona entered the fray, the deal seemed to move relatively swiftly and without difficulties in negotiations.

Traore made his second debut for the La Liga outfit on Sunday afternoon as they beat Atletico Madrid 4-2 - with the Spaniard catching the eye on his return to the Nou Camp.

Barca boss Xavi, when speaking to the media after the crucial three points, lauded Traore for his efforts and explained why he thinks the winger will prove to be a splendid addition to his squad.

Xavi said: "Adama is a very mature player. He knows when to face, when to pass, he has chosen his moments well, physically he is a monster, a beast.

"He is a pure winger and he will help us. He is a great signing."

Tottenham did sign a Traore alternative, though, in Dejan Kulusevski, who joined on an 18-month loan deal from Juventus on transfer deadline day.

The Sweden international spoke about his "dream" coming true when he arrived at Spurs at the end of last month.

He said: "Really, it is a dream coming true being here. I love playing football - playing, attacking and defending, being close to my family, win games, score goals, assists. I want to do it all.

"That is what I have been doing since I was five-years-old, playing football with my sister, my family, my friends."

He continued: "I learned a lot at Juventus. It was two years, but two intense years with two different coaches. I was playing with one of the best footballers in the