Tottenham Hotspur explored a move for Pau Torres during the summer transfer window but were put off by his price tag...

What's the word?

That's according to Fabrizio Romano, who has revealed that Spurs were among several Premier League teams to consider a move for the Villarreal centre-back.

"Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham also explored this possibility but didn’t want to spend €40-45m," the Italian transfer guru told CaughtOffside.

"I think it’s a very good opportunity on the market; he has experience, quality, left-footed … a very good CB."

A big mistake from Paratici?

The north Londoners did go on to sign a central defender, however, as Clement Lenglet joined on loan from FC Barcelona, whilst they also pulled the trigger on signing Cristian Romero on a permanent deal but that said, Torres would have been a useful addition to the squad.

With the Frenchman only in N17 on a temporary basis, the Lilywhites could soon be in the market for another left-footed centre-back and the 25-year-old certainly fits the bill given his credentials.

Passing is listed as one of the 6 foot 3 titan's biggest strengths on WhoScored and it's easy to see why as he ranks inside the top 8% of all his positional peers across Europe for progressive passes (4.66 per 90), via FBref, who liken his statistical profile to Manchester City title-winner Ruben Dias, which bodes well for his potential transition to the Premier League one day.

Torres is also a threat in the other box, ranking inside the top 6% for non-penalty expected goals and assists (0.12 per 90), whilst only Raul Albiol has managed more clearances in the Yellow Submarines squad than the 20-cap Spaniard in 2022/23.

Once lauded as an "extraordinary talent" by former youth coach Javi Calleja to The Athletic, it's clear that Spurs sporting director Fabio Paratici may have missed out massively here.

In reality, around £40m for a young, talented and internationally-recognised defender isn't bad business at all. When you think that Harry Maguire (£80m) and Wesley Fofana (£75m) cost more or less double, then Torres could represent a steal at that price tag.

As such, it's clear that Paratici and Tottenham have made a big mistake in snubbing the Villarreal sensation due to finances - it's one they could live to regret, particularly if any of the aforementioned teams or new ones soon take the LaLiga side up on their valuation.

AND in other news, Levy could have Spurs' next Luka Modric in Conte's untouchable £100k-p/w "monster"...