Tottenham Hotspur have been impressed by a young South American starlet, but their pursuit of the player has got a lot harder over the last few days.

Over recent years, Tottenham’s recruitment department has shown that they are keeping an eye on the best young talent to emerge from South America.

While the Alejo Veliz signing may not have worked out for the Lilywhites, there is hope at Spurs that Souza can develop into a top left-back, with Roberto De Zerbi said to be a fan of the Brazilian.

It has now emerged that the Premier League side have also been impressed by a versatile Argentine midfielder, who is making a name for himself in one of the biggest clubs in South America.

Tottenham’s interest in Lautaro Pereyra has seen River Plate hand him a new contract

According to a report in El Intransigente (as relayed by Sport Witness), Spurs have expressed an interest in River Plate’s 18-year-old sensation.

The teenager broke into River’s senior side earlier this year and has already established himself as a key cog in the team. Although a centre midfielder by trade, manager Leonardo Ponzio has utilised him as number 10, in a front three and even at left wing-back.

It is that versatility and his high potential that have caught the eye of the North London club’s scouts.

However, the report adds that ‘a call from Tottenham’ for Pereyra has seen the Argentine giants move quickly to tie the youngster to a new deal.

The midfielder put pen to paper on a new contract with River on Monday, with the deal running until 2029 and containing a release clause of €100m (£83.7m)

Spurs’ interest in Pereyra has not gone away

Sport Witness also relays information from Soy Del Millo, who also report on the interest of Roberto De Zerbi’s side in the 18-year-old.

They say that Spurs want Pereyra but signing him has become a lot harder following his contract extension and the massive release clause.

The publication adds that while the Premier League side will not come anywhere close to the clause, they will now have to negotiate directly with River Plate president Stéfano Di Carlo if they want the Argentina U17 international.