Spurs manager Harry Redknapp is desperate to bolster his strikeforce before the transfer window closes and chairman Daniel Levy is considering a €10.4 (£9) million bid for Uruguayan star Forlan after making contact with Atletico Madrid.
The Spanish club have now suggested they would be prepared to sell the former Manchester United striker due to financial problems, having put Spurs off with a prohibitive pricetag as recently as last Friday.
But Forlan's wage demands – believed to be around £80,000-a-week – could scupper the deal and insiders at White Hart Lane are doubtful over whether an agreement will be reached.
The Londoners also have reservations as, at 31, Forlan would have very little sell-on value if he was to leave the club during the course of his contract, one of the club's key criteria when recruiting new signings.
Forlan, who won the Golden Ball for the best player at last summer's World Cup, would add a much-needed killer touch in front of goal for a club whose strikers have scored just five Premier League goals between them this season.
Redknapp watched Forlan play last Thursday against Real Madrid in the Copa Del Rey quarter-final and admitted he was interested in the player but that his wage demands would be a problem.
“Diego Forlan has been mentioned but we are not going to get near their wages,” said Redknapp.
“The chairman would not be paying £100,000 or more a week to players that is for sure.
“Forlan's an interesting player. I didn't speak to anyone about him, I just went and watched the game really.”
Tottenham have considered moves for a number of strikers this month, including Luis Suarez and Luis Fabiano, but have been waiting to offload Keane before bringing in a replacement.
The Republic of Ireland captain has said his goodbyes at the Spurs training ground and is set to complete a loan move to West Ham with a view to a £6m permanent switch at the end of the season.
The Hammers will meet the full cost of Keane's £65,000 weekly wage and will be contractually obliged to sign the striker on a permanent deal if they avoid relegation.
But Tottenham are relieved to have finally agreed a deal with their London rivals. The 30-year-old refused to even talk to Birmingham earlier this month when a £6m bid was accepted as he was holding out for a move to Upton Park.
Keane has started just two league games this season and was recently warned by Ireland coach Giovanni Trapattoni recently warned he must be playing regularly to be considered for the international side.
