Why Tottenham look set to miss out on Real Betis star Johnny Cardoso despite Daniel Levy striking transfer arrangement

As part of a deal to sell Giovani Lo Celso to Betis last summer, Tottenham secured a €25 million (£21m) purchase option for midfielder Cardoso. However, reports suggest they won't exercise that as the United States international is likely to head elsewhere.

Marca states Cardoso is not convinced about joining Tottenham, despite their Europa League victory and the prospect of playing Champions League football next season. The 23-year-old is said to have set his sights on Atletico Madrid, and a full agreement with him is reportedly 'imminent'.

The report adds Atletico have been given the 'green light' to pursue Cardoso, following Betis' Europa Conference League final defeat to Chelsea on Wednesday. The former Internacional man may leave for a different price to the one Spurs negotiated, too.

The New Jersey-born Cardoso, who joined Betis in 2023 and has since scored five goals in 63 appearances, will head off on his summer break but when he returns to action, he could be an Atletico player.