Gunfight ordeal for Spurs star Emerson

TOTTENHAM defender Emerson Royal has escaped unharmed after reportedly being targeted by an armed robber and finding himself at the centre of a gunfight in Brazil in the early hours of yesterday morning.

According to reports in Brazil, the 23-year-old had just left a nightclub in his home city of Sao Paulo at around 3am and was taking photos with an off-duty police officer when an individual pointed a gun at him and demanded his belongings. It is claimed the officer drew his gun and opened fire on the thief.

Brazilian Royal (right) moved to north London from Barcelona for £25.8million last summer and made 41 appearances in all competitions as Spurs qualified for next season’s Champions League.

Meanwhile, Tottenham will turn down the chance to sign former Juventus forward Paulo Dybala due to his massive wage demands.

The Argentine, who leaves Juventus this summer after seven years at the club, had put the likes of Spurs, Arsenal and Manchester United on alert by hinting that he was keen on a move to the Premier League.

But despite his availability on a free transfer, Spurs chiefs have baulked at the cost of a potential deal — with the 28-year-old asking for around £280,000 a week. Dybala scored 82 goals in 210 league games for Juventus but the Italian side declined to extend his stay in Turin when he asked for a net salary of €8m and a €2m bonus — the equivalent of around £373,000 a week.

Inter Milan have made an offer to Dybala which is believed to be £6m a year including bonuses — around £260,000 a week before tax — but he is holding out for more.

As an alternative, Inter are interested in bringing back Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku on loan after he left San Siro in a £97.5m transfer last summer.

The Belgian, 29, is willing to take a hefty pay cut on his £325,000-a-week wages in order to push through a deal.