Tottenham Hotspur made a play to sign Franco Mastantuono over recent weeks

Tottenham Hotspur allegedly attempted to swoop for a young midfielder, who is regarded by many as one of the best young talents in Argentine football, but the North London club’s pursuit of the teenager is set to end in disappointment.

Spurs demonstrated through their acquisition of Alejo Veliz from Rosario Central two years ago that they are keeping a close eye on the best emerging talents from Argentina.

While the Veliz deal has not worked out the way Tottenham would have wanted, that has not deterred their interest in another teenage starlet who is taking the Primera Division by storm.

It first emerged back in March that Spurs have set their sights on River Plate sensation Franco Mastantuono but as one would expect, the North London club are hardly alone in their admiration for the teenager.

Mastantuono has a release clause of £40m in his contract and he is also thought to be on the radar of other big clubs across the Premier League.

Tottenham Hotspur made a play to sign Franco Mastantuono over recent weeks — Photo by Marcelo Hernandez/Getty Images

Tottenham set to miss out on Franco Mastantuono

TBR Football have now confirmed that not only was Franco Mastantuono on Tottenham’s radar, but the Lilywhites actively ‘made a play’ to land the youngster over recent weeks.

The outlet says that Manchester United also expressed strong interest in Mastantuono while Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea and Newcastle United also explored a move for the player.

However, the 17-year-old is now bound for the Santiago Bernabeu as he has agreed to join Real Madrid this summer, thus handing Tottenham Hotspur and his other suitors a major blow.

The report says that the Argentina international will complete a move to the Spanish capital in August when he turns 18.

Tottenham fans want to see experienced additions rather than youngsters

Mastantuono is not the only midfield prodigy the Lilywhites have their eye on, with reports claiming that Tottenham are plotting a move for Copenhagen’s Victor Froholdt.

Some outlets have claimed that Spurs are also confident of winning the race for Swedish starlet Roony Bardghji, while it has been reported that Tottenham are fans of Man City academy graduate James McAtee.

Many Spurs fans have expressed concern about the club’s interest in unproven youngsters, as they feel that they should be signing proven performers after qualifying for the Champions League.