Villarreal manager Marcelino has confirmed his interest in bringing Tottenham Hotspur striker Roberto Soldado back to Spain this summer.
The international striker moved to White Hart Lane in 2013 when he left Valencia. However, despite managing 59 goals in 101 appearances for Los Che, the 30-year-old—who was recruited for an eye-watering £26 million [BBC Sport]—has managed only seven outings in 51 Premier League showings for Spurs.
His failings in England appear to have convinced Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino that the ex-Getafe star is not worth persevering with, and having managed just one league goal in 24 outings, the Argentine coach looks ready to pull the plug.
The forward managed more goals in his last seven league games with Valencia, than he has in a subsequent half century of EPL outings for Spurs.
Villarreal may be set to offer him a way out of his White Hart Lane nightmare, with manager Marcelino declaring his interest in the forward.
“It’s difficult, because he plays for a big team, who paid a considerable fee for his signature two years ago,” the coach began, as reported by Marca [via L’Equipe].
“He’s a player with great capacities,” he continued.
“He’s just had two irregular seasons, and maybe he isn’t playing with the confidence of his team. That can influence his output, it’s difficult for a player who has always scored, we forget it!”
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Soldado’s departure could be hastened by the imminent arrival of West Bromwich Albion forward Saido Berahino.
While the Baggies have denied that they have received an offer for the forward [via their official Twitter account], talkSPORT report that Spurs are plotting a £20 million bid for the Anglo-Burundian frontman.