Tottenham and Barcelona close to agreeing deal for France star

Tottenham are reportedly close to reaching an agreement with Barcelona for the signing of centre-back Clement Lenglet. 

The France international spent the season on loan at the Premier League club. The Lilywhites are interested in making the deal permanent and are now said to be close to a deal. 

According to reports, both clubs are in advanced negotiations for the Frenchman. Tottenham are expected to pay up to €5 million to the Blaugrana to complete the move. 

Barcelona, according to the report, would like to get the move completed before the end of the month, which is the end of the financial year.

The sale of Lenglet is part of the club's effort to reduce their huge wage bill, and his exit will reportedly lighten the load by about €16 million. 

With Barcelona's financial situation, exits are important to enable them to register players, as they have to shed weight in wages to possibly bring more players onto the books. 

Meanwhile, awaiting official confirmation, Barcelona have reportedly completed the signing of Manchester City captain Ilkay Gundogan. 

The 30-year-old midfielder's contract with the Cityzens expires at the end of the season, and he was named in the official list of players being released by the club.