Tottenham ahead of Real Madrid in race for signing goalkeeper, contact made

Last month, we covered claims from Spain that Tottenham Hotspur are in the picture to sign Espanyol goalkeeper Joan García.

The La Liga side are owned by Rastar Group and they came close to selling the club to America’s MountainStar Sports Group last month, before the deal collapsed.

AS indicates the Tottenham target is one of the reasons the takeover failed.

Espanyol have secured promotion to the top flight, after which Rastar refused to give up their control over the club’s sporting decisions. In addition to this, they wanted to sell the 23-year-old and Javi Puado, which didn’t please the American group.

When discussing the stopper, it’s claimed he’s ‘followed extremely closely’ by Tottenham, Real Madrid and Arsenal. The report adds his €25m release clause is ‘juicy’ for the Premier League sides, indicating that it’s affordable for them.

AS’ claim is echoed by El Desmarque, who mention Spurs when discussing Real Madrid’s desire to sign the Spaniard. The Champions League winners will face ‘stiff competition’ from the two north London clubs.

It’s claimed Ange Postecoglou’s side would be ahead in the race for García and they have already contacted Espanyol. The report states Tottenham ‘could definitely go for him’ this summer, and Los Blancos could miss out on the player if they don’t act quickly.

Spurs are said to want García to provide cover and competition for first-choice stopper Guglielmo Vicario next season.

Of course, it wouldn’t be the first time Tottenham have looked towards Espanyol for a goalkeeper, having signed Pau Lopez on loan in 2016.