Tottenham stepped up the chase for Roberto Soldado last night with an improved £20m bid for the Spain striker, the Daily Star reports.

Valencia have already rejected an initial £17m offer for Soldado and insist they will not even discuss a deal until his full £30m release clause is met.

The Spanish club have even offered him a big pay rise to stay – but Starsport understands he could double his wages by joining Andre Villas-Boas’ side.

Valencia president Amadeo Salvo confirmed he had received a new bid from Tottenham.

But he added: “The English team knows the situation. Valencia needs money. But we don’t have to sell our best player.”

Spurs hope a deal can be struck, especially as Valencia have been forced to search for a sponsor to help fund the new deal they’ve offered Soldado.