Tottenham set to miss out on Villarreal star

Tottenham's search for a proven goalscorer looks set to continue as Giuseppe Rossi gets set to complete a move to Barcelona.

The Italian spent two seasons at Manchester United, during which he was sent on loan to Newcastle, before joining Villarreal in 2007.

The 24-year-old has just enjoyed his most successful season in La Liga, scoring 18 goals in 36 appearances, and that has lead to suggestions he could be on his way to the Champions League holders.

Rossi said: "Any player would make a lot of hope to play at Barca. Clearly it would be a dream to play for Barca.

"Barca is a great team, the best team in the world and maybe the best in history and the truth is I enjoy watching them."

Harry Redknapp confirmed in February that Spurs had a bid for Rossi turned down on the final day of the winter transfer window as the fee required to trigger the player's release clause was not met.