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Roberto Soldado could be offered an escape route from Tottenham after just one disappointing season.

Atletico Madrid are considering the misfiring Spurs striker as a cut-price summer replacement for in-demand Diego Costa.

Chelsea are leading the hunt for Costa, who has become one of the most sought-after strikers in Europe after a stunning season with the Spanish title contenders.

They are likely to sell Costa and see £26million flop Soldado as an ideal replacement - even though the Londoners would probably have to agree to take a big hit on him.

Spain striker Soldado has been inconsistent this season, with former Spurs chairman Sir Alan Sugar even branded him a "donkey" after a recent glaring miss (see below).

Head coach Tim Sherwood has defended the 28-year-old ex-Valencia striker in the media, but Emmanuel Adebayor has overtaken him in the pecking order at White Hart Lane.

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