Reason behind Tottenham transfer call explained as target slips from their grasp

The reason why Tottenham have let transfer target Frank Kessie go has been explained as he reportedly nears a move to Barcelona.

Kessie, 25, has been on Spurs‘ radar for several months because his contract expires at the end of the season. They have not been alone in their interest, with rivals Arsenal and Manchester United both also linked.

It is La Liga giants Barca who look to have beaten the Premier League trio, though.

According to Tuttomercatoweb, the midfielder will be moving to the Camp Nou on a free transfer this summer.

Negotiations have been finalised for a five-year deal which will see Kessie earn €6.5million (£5.5m) per year plus bonuses.

And that is what caused Tottenham to pull out of the race, as per the report. In fact, they did so ‘immediately’ after learning of his demands.

The amount the Ivory Coast international was seeking is also what prevented him from renewing his deal at AC Milan.

He has been a key figure for them since his 2017 move from Atalanta. But Barca made him an ‘offer for the future’.

It’s also been claimed that a phone call from Xavi helped to convince him to snub Spurs.

Meanwhile, Tottenham could have their summer plans disrupted further by PSG.

The French club are in crisis mode after their Champions League exit at the hands of Real Madrid.

Manager Mauricio Pochettino’s position at the helm is now under the microscope. He could well be sacked.

The Argentine may have an escape route back to England if Man Utd come calling. The Mirror previously reported Pochettino is the United squad’s preferred choice to succeed Ralf Rangnick.

Now, Football Italia suggest PSG would look to Antonio Conte as their replacement.

The Italian – along with Mikel Arteta – was recently named on a shortlist of