Tottenham eyes Valencia striker Roberto Soldado

Tottenham are stepping up their interest in Spanish striker Roberto Soldado as chairman Daniel Levy seeks to build a team around Gareth Bale that can challenge for the Premier League title next season.

Soldado, who started his career at Real Madrid, has been one of the most consistent scorers in Spain with 70 goals in 105 starts in three seasons for Valencia after signing from Getafe as a replacement for David Villa.

His 22 goals this season have kept Valencia in contention for a Champions League place in fifth, two points behind Sociedad.

Although quoted £30million for Soldado a year ago, Tottenham may be able to knock the fee down to £20m due to Valencia’s financial problems, like other Spanish clubs.

Spurs intend to sign at least one forward in addition to Soldado, with QPR’s Loic Remy, Edin Dzeko of Manchester City, Southampton’s Rickie Lambert and Leandro Damiao, of Brazilian club Internacional, possibilities.