Philippe Coutinho wants to leave Barcelona says Gerard Pique
But Spurs have already been angered by one aspect of their approach for the Barcelona midfielder.
Reports claimed Mauricio Pochettino had personally called Coutinho to try and convince him to move to Tottenham over the likes of Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool.
The Mirror claim chiefs were incensed that the suggestions were made.
Talks are said to be at an early stage despite Coutinho’s agent Kia Joorabchian suggesting otherwise.
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Coutinho would no doubt add creativity to Tottenham’s midfield.
And with Manchester United making a late move for Christian Eriksen, he would be the perfect replacement and possibly an upgrade.
Coutinho may have struggled since leaving for Barcelona from Liverpool, but if he can perform as he did at Anfield, Spurs will be serious contenders for the Premier League.
The 27-year-old’s class is undisputed but for whatever reason it hasn’t quite worked for him at the Nou Camp.
Coutinho enjoyed a six-month loan spell under Pochettino while he was manager of Espanyol in 2012.
Tottenham are looking to pull off a deal for Philippe Coutinho before deadline day (Image: GETTY)
Tottenham are also trying to sign Paulo Dybala (Image: GETTY)
The Brazil star scored five goals in 16 appearances for the Spanish side.
Barcelona are said to want £80million for Coutinho, with Spurs pushing for a loan move instead.
Earlier this summer Coutinho’s agent Joorabchian talked about rumours linking the Brazilian back to Liverpool.
“I don’t know about those stories,” he said.
“Bartomeu was very clear with me, saying he doesn’t want the player to leave and he has a future there.
Christian Eriksen could leave Tottenham for Man Utd (Image: GETTY)
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“They made a tremendous effort to bring him over, he is Barcelona’s most expensive signing in history and the second or third most expensive signing in the world.
“He had an amazing Copa America, he was rated in the team of the Copa America, he won the Copa America with Brazil and he’s won three trophies since he’s been at Barcelona in the last two years – so he’s had a great time there.
“As things happen in football, sometimes players feel a bit uncomfortable about somewhere, sometimes it’s the clubs that just don’t quite fit.
“If that happens obviously we’ll decide what’s best for Philippe, but at the moment we’re being told that’s not happening, it’s fine.”
Tottenham are now thought to be the favourites to sign Coutinho before the deadline closes at 5pm on Thursday.