Mauro Zarate was never close to joining Tottenham Hotspur Football Club.

One of the many pieces of speculation doing the rounds on deadline day concerned the Argentine forward, who was said to be the subject of a bid from Spurs.

It was claimed Lazio president Claudio Lotito was in London to discuss such a transfer, but he has denied such a suggestion and insists Zarate was never for sale.

"Was Zarate close to Tottenham?" Lotito told Calcionews24.com. "Some time ago I said that Lazio would not be selling their champions, and Zarate did not leave. Our promises were maintained."

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