Soldado in Spain for Tottenham exit talks, confirms Pochettino

The Spurs striker, who has scored only seven Premier League goals in 52 games, was spotted flying to his homeland on Thursday, with Villarreal said to be his destination

Tottenham misfit Roberto Soldado is nearing a return to Spain, manager Mauricio Pochettino has confirmed.

On Thursday, photos emerged on Twitter of Soldado at Gatwick Airport, reportedly telling fans that he was flying out to agree terms with Villarreal.

Soldado's team-mate Erik Lamela then took to Twitter to say farewell, before swiftly deleting the posts.

And in a press conference on Thursday, Pochettino said that no deal had yet been finalised but confirmed that the striker had been allowed to go and further his negotiations.

"He has been given permission to travel to Spain and the club will announce whether anything will happen or not," the Spurs boss declared.

Since arriving from Valencia, Soldado has struggled at White Hart Lane, scoring just seven Premier League goals in 52 appearances - four of which came from the penalty spot.