Tottenham Hotspur have stepped up their interest in Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez in a potential £60m (€70m) move that would raise further questions about the future of Harry Kane.

Martinez is also wanted by Arsenal, but Tottenham are hopeful of completing a move for a forward regarded as one of Europe’s most exciting attackers. Sources have indicated that Tottenham’s plan would be for Martinez to play alongside Kane, although the size of the outlay would raise eyebrows across the footballing world.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s side have already committed to paying £42.5m (€50m) for Argentina defender Cristian Romero, who has joined from Atalanta, and spent around £20m (€24m) on Spain winger Bryan Gil.

Tottenham have insisted Kane is not for sale, and it is believed that only an offer well above £100m would tempt them into cashing in on their most important player. There is strong interest in Kane from Manchester City. Nuno confirmed that Kane was now quarantining at the Tottenham training ground, where he is working alone to rebuild his fitness after returning from holiday.

“We expect to integrate Harry when he follows all the protocols,” said Nuno after a 1-0 victory over Arsenal in a pre-season friendly.

“We have to be very strict and not take any chances, as one of the things everyone has learnt is that the pandemic is still here. We have to be really careful. We have a training session tomorrow and, with social distancing, hopefully I will speak with Harry.”

Any move for Martinez would depend on whether Inter were happy to allow both of their star strikers to leave in one window. Chelsea are set to complete their move for Romelu Lukaku in the coming days in a £97.5m (€115m) deal. Martinez (23) scored 17 goals in 38 appearances in Serie A last season as Inter won the league under Antonio Conte. 

Telegraph Media Group Limited [2021]