Tottenham rejected the chance to sign Real Madrid star Marco Asensio four years ago, it has been revealed.

When the midfielder was still with Real Mallorca, he was spotted by Tottenham's Spanish scout at the time, Ramon Planes.

Mundo Deportivo says Planes was convinced of Asensio's potential and urged Spurs' football directors to take a gamble and snap up the youngster.

However, Spurs chiefs rejected Planes' recommendation and Asensio eventually would be signed by Real - on the express demand of president Florentino Perez.

For his part, Planes is now working as a football director with Barcelona.