Tottenham send Baldini to negotiate Soldado deal with Valencia

The former Roma director touched down on the east coast on Monday and has begun talks with the Liga club over a move for the striker, who bagged 24 league goals last season

By Greg Stobart

Tottenham have sent technical director Franco Baldini to Spain to negotiate a deal for Valencia striker Roberto Soldado, Goal has learned.


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Baldini, who was appointed by the north London club in June, was dispatched to open talks with los Che regarding the Spain international.

Valencia president Amadeo Salvo has given a number of interviews on the subject of his star striker in recent weeks, most recently claiming that any prospective buyer has until August 3 to cough up the €29 million buy-out clause.

Spurs have turned their attentions to Soldado after baulking at Aston Villa's £25m asking price for Christian Benteke, who has since opted to sign a new contract at Villa Park.

Long-term target Leandro Damaio has recently been the subject of interest from Napoli, while Zenit St Petersburg have also been credited with an interest.

Baldini was Roma's chief negotiator during his time in the Italian capital and has been charged with the task of securing a big-name striker for manager Andre Villas-Boas.