Tottenham's Uruguayan Target Rejects Contract

Uruguayan international Gaston Ramirez has rejected a contract offer from Tottenham, his agent confirmed, after deeming the wages on offer as unsatisfactory.

Ramirez, who has been capped nine times by his country, has attracted interest from across the Premier League after an impressive two seasons for Italian Serie A club Bologna, for whom he turned out 59 times and scored 15 goals. The 21 year old has reportedly also been courted by Liverpool this summer but no agreements were reached with the Anfield club.

"The only solid offer is the one from Tottenham, who offered €16 million [£12.6m]. But the deal didn't go through because Spurs offered too low a wage to the player and if the wage difference is minimal he would stay at Bologna," Ramirez' agent, Oscar Betancourt, was quoted as saying in a Goal.com report.

However, Betancourt did not rule out further talks between the two parties, hinting that should Croatian playmaker Luka Modric confirm his probable departure for Spanish champions Real Madrid, the White Hart Lane club may return with an improved offer.

"Tottenham could raise their offer if they sell Modric and in that case the deal could be done, otherwise Ramirez will stay another year at Bologna. We also talked with Liverpool but nothing more," Betancourt added, the Daily Mail reports. Meanwhile, the agent also dismissed talk of a move within Italy, to Inter Milan, claiming the Nerazzurri could not afford the player.

"Inter? They are interested in the player, but can't afford a cash offer similar to the English clubs. The Nerazzurri would wish to include some players in the deal, but Bologna only want cash, also because of the arrangement with Penarol [Ramirez's former club] who receive a percentage if the player is sold," Betancourt explained.

Surprise Bidders

However, Spurs may not be the only ones in the running for Ramirez' services; reports suggest Southampton have emerged as surprise bidders for the playmaker's signature. However, even if the Saints were able to match Spurs' transfer fee, they will still have to put together an impressive enough pay package for the Uruguayan to consent to join them.