The People report that Spurs had Giuseppe Rossi in their sights but could not tie up a £35m deal with Villarreal.
Spurs boss Harry Redknapp turned his attention instead to Dembele, 23, signed by Mark Hughes for £5m in August.
He tore Spurs apart in the Cottagers' 4-0 FA Cup win but the north London club were told there was no chance of a deal.
Spurs boss Harry Redknapp turned his attention instead to Dembele, 23, signed by Mark Hughes for £5m in August.
He tore Spurs apart in the Cottagers' 4-0 FA Cup win but the north London club were told there was no chance of a deal.
