Tottenham were prepared to hand Fernando Llorente a new deal this season - but delays allowed Napoli to snap him up, it has been revealed.

Llorente already has three goals with Napoli and is fast proving a transfer coup.

Gazzetta dello Sport says Llorente, having seen his contract expire, was informed by Spurs that a new deal would be tabled before the start of the season.

But having learned it would be on reduced terms, the veteran started shopping himself around and was soon convinced after a series of phone calls with Napoli coach Carlo Ancelotti.

With the Azzurri offering €5m-a-year and Spurs dithering, Llorente was persuaded to move to Naples.

The former Juventus striker has made an instant impact and is already being celebrated across the national press.