Tottenham Miss Out Again as Roma Strike Deal for Croatian Starlet – Report

Tottenham Hotspur are set to miss out on Croatian youngster Tin Jedvaj after Dinamo Zagreb accepted an offer €5m from Italian side Roma.

The north London club have already missed out on one top target when David Villa chose to join Atletico Madrid, and it now seems that they have also failed to secure the services of highly-rated youngster Jedvaj.

Last week it was widely reported that Andre Villas-Boas was hoping to sign Jedvaj and fellow Dinamo Zagreb youngster Alen Halilovic in a deal worth around €20m.

The Croatian club's executive chairman Dravko Mamic confirmed that Tottenham were in talks about signing the both players, saying: "The deal with Tottenham is still under negotiation, nothing has yet been done.

"We hope that the transfers of Halilovic and Jedvaj can be completed in the best way possible but the transfer is not yet complete."

While Halilovic - who has been touted as the new Luka Modric - may well still be available it seems Tottenham have missed out on Jedvaj.

The 17 year old defender played 13 games for Dinamo last season and is expected to fly to Italy in the coming days in order to discuss personal terms and put pen to paper on a contract.

Italian newspaper Gazetta dello Sport reports that Roma will pay €5m, while the contract is for five years and will include a 20 per cent sell on clause.

Roma have been linked with a number of players in the current transfer window as new manager Rudi Garcia attempts to build a squad capable of once again challenging for major honours.

Holland international Kevin Strootman is believed to be on the verge of joining the club, while Queens Park Rangers goalkeeper Julio Cesar has also been linked with a loan move to the Stadio Olimpico.