Tottenham fan favourite closing in on summer exit after Milan, Napoli talks

Erik Lamela; Gareth Bale TEAMtalk

Tottenham squad man Erik Lamela has reportedly held talks with Serie A giants AC Milan and Napoli as he closes in on an exit this summer.

The Argentine made a name for himself with Roma before heading to Spurs for £30million in 2013. He was bought with the money used from the sale of Gareth Bale to Real Madrid but has never really lived up to his price tag.

Despite showing signs of brilliance during his eight-year stay in north London, the 29-year-old has never nailed down a permanent place in the side.

Injuries have played a bit part in his struggles and it would appear that Spurs now want to cash in.

Corriere dello Sport (via Sport Witness) states that the playmaker’s entourage have ‘already held chats’ with Milan. But now Napoli have joined the race, with the report adding that  ‘very intense contacts’ have taken place.

At his stage, it would that Gennaro Gattuso’s Napoli ‘are the favourite’ to bring the player back to Italy. Lamela’s current contract runs out in 2022, meaning Spurs could receive a decent fee.

The report adds that Lamela ‘has made it known he is willing to reduce his rich wages currently guaranteed at Spurs’. Indeed, he would be happy with around €2m-2.5m per year.

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The Argentina international would also be given a ‘three to four year contract’ and would be guaranteed more game time.

Napoli’s current alternative to Lamela is Udinese star Rodrigo De Paul, who has also been strongly linked with Leeds and Liverpool.

However, the 26-year-old would potentially cost a lot more than the Tottenham man, meaning a move is unlikely.


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Tottenham told they need new back four

Tottenham need to replace their entire back four to return to the Champions League, according to one pundit.

Spurs missed out on Champions League football for this season after an underwhelming 2019-20 campaign that saw Mauricio Pochettino replaced with Jose Mourinho. The latter lifted them up the table but not high enough to return to Europe’s elite competition.

The chances of Spurs making it back into the Champions League looked to have increased this time around. Mourinho even had them in title contention at one point.

That feels a long time ago, though, with six points currently separating them from the top four. It seems they will have to wait for Champions League football for at least another year.

In the summer, they will be active in the transfer window, looking to strengthen Mourinho’s squad. One priority is to find further competition for Harry Kane up front, but they also need to improve defensively.

Mourinho has not been satisfied with his defensive options this season and is looking for reinforcements.

Tottenham went on the cheaper side to bring in Joe Rodon from Swansea City last summer. The step up from the Championship has not been easy for the Welshman, though.

Rodon quality questioned

Now, former Premier League striker Gabby Agbonlahor has cast doubt on Rodon’s ability and told Tottenham they need to change their entire back four.

“I’m not too sure about him, to be honest,” Agbonlahor told Football Insider of Rodon.

“I feel he’s a good player but he’s not going to take Spurs to where they want to go.

“Spurs want to get into the Champions League places and want to win things. Rodon, Sanchez, Alderwerield, Dier are not going to get them there.

“They need a whole new back four.”

READ MORE: Report claims major Man Utd, Kane boost as Levy could be left floundering