Tottenham Hotspur's hopes of signing Marco Asensio have been dashed after Real Madrid revealed the release clause for the player.
Spurs face a tough test of holding on to Christian Eriksen, who has been linked with Los Blancos, this summer, with the Premier League side ready to release the funds necessary for Mauricio Pochettino to improve his squad.
While the Champions League finalists have identified the 23-year-old Spaniard as one of their potential summer targets, it is not going to be cheap in luring him away from the Santiago Bernabéu.
According to El Chiringuito's Josep Pedrerol, the reigning Champions League holders have pointed out that the Spain international has a whopping €700m release clause.
Asensio has a contract that runs until 2023 and he has made 44 appearances for the club across all competitions this season, having scored six times and assisting seven times.
The Spanish club have no intention of allowing him to leave for a low price. In fact, the Madrid star's agent, Horacio Gaggioli, revealed in April that the club have rejected a bid of up to €180m for him in the past.
"Over the last year there have been offers as high as €150m and €180m, but Madrid did not want to listen to them," he told ESPN.
"There is always interest in Marco from other big clubs, seeing if he wanted to leave, which is normal for the player he is.
"But he always says that he is very happy with Madrid, is only interested in being a success there. He is still a young kid, improving all the time, and the club is very happy with him, too."
Asensio recently admitted on Instagram that it has been a difficult season for Madrid, having sacked two managers -- Julen Lopetegui and Santiago Solari -- and failing to capture any major silverware (only winning the Club World Cup, of course).
"A complicated season, full of difficulties has finished. It was far from the level which the marvelous fans deserve," he wrote.
"But we will pick ourselves up, we will get better and we will give our all so that next season Madridistas will again enjoy our team, to return your unconditional support and love.
"We promise to fight with renewed energy for every cup until the end.
"Madrid always makes a comeback. Hala Madrid!"
Which players should Spurs sign in the summer?
Let us know in the comments.
Featured Image Credit: PATopics: Spurs, Los Blancos, Football News, Tottenham Hotspur, Football, Santiago Bernabeu, Premier League, Marco Asensio, Real Madrid, La Liga
