Valencia admit Tottenham target Roberto Soldado may leave

Reports in Spain say that Valencia coach Miroslav Djukic has admitted that the possibility of Roberto Soldado leaving is real and the hunt has begun for his replacement.

Andre Villas-Boas has confirmed that the striker remains a transfer target for Tottenham Hotspur, despite Valencia previously warning that they will have to meet his release clause of €30milion (£25.8m).

A number of other clubs, including Liverpool, have also been linked with a move for Soldado, and Djukic admits he is expecting further developments.

"The possibility that he will leave is real," Djukic is quoted as saying by local sports daily Super Deporte.

"Soldado is our striker and if he stays then he will be the reference point up front."

The uncertainty over Soldado's future has not prevented Valencia from beginning to look to add to their front line, as Djukic insists his squad needs strengthening whether he stays or goes

"Valencia are working on various options in case Salgado does leave, but we have too (few) forwards, either with Soldado or especially without him," he added.

Soldado is a fans' favourite and it is thought it is unlikely that he will ask to leave, but Djukic insists that even if he did it would not be a disaster.

"We have to remember though that Valencia the club is greater than any player," he concluded.

Soldado returned to Valencia on Friday and is set to join up with his team-mates on Saturday.