The father of Tottenham winger Erik Lamela admits his son came close to signing for Barcelona as a junior player.

Lamela moved to Spurs from AS Roma last summer for £30 million, but came close to joining Barca as a 12 year-old at home in Argentina.

"Their scout had seen him at work, a training camp was not even necessary.

"But we felt it was too early," revealed Jose Lamela.

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