Chelsea thrust into Tottenham transfer tangle for maverick that would test Tuchel

Chelsea have been surprisingly named as a potential landing spot for a Tottenham maverick who would test Thomas Tuchel’s managerial ability, per a report.

Tottenham have made a Jekyll and Hyde start to life under new boss Nuno Espirito Santo. Three successive wins to kick off the campaign have given way to dismal run of form. Thankfully for those of a Spurs persuasion, the chance to reignite some much-needed form was taken on Thursday night against Slovenian minnows Mura.

One player who Nuno has thus far struggled to prise the best from is Tanguy Ndombele. The French midfielder, 24, was the subject of strong speculation he would depart over the summer. That primarily stemmed from the player himself making clear his desire to seek pastures new.

Ndombele has surprisingly been linked with Man Utd in recent weeks. Italian outlet Calciomercato tipped him to be a like-for-like replacement for Paul Pogba – if he refuses to sign a new contract.

Former boss Jose Mourinho was also reported to be monitoring Ndombele’s situation. That’s despite the Roma manager admitting the dynamic midfielder “frustrated” him during his spell in north London.

Now, according to Caught Offside (citing Spanish outlet Don Balon) Chelsea have thrown their hat in the ring.

It’s stated the Blues are ‘one of his suitors’ at this moment in time. While Don Balon are known for being on the lighter side of journalistic integrity, a move could make sense in some aspects.

Tanguy Ndombele targeted by former boss Jose Mourinho

Tanguy Ndombele targeted by former boss Jose Mourinho

Tanguy Ndombele is reportedly being targeted by former Spurs boss Jose Mourinho at AS Roma, with more news on Dejan Kusulevski and Nuno Espirito Santo.

N’Golo Kante is noted to be increasingly struggling with injury issues in recent seasons. Kante remains a midfield monster when fit, though keeping him in good health is proving more difficult than ever.

Additionally, Saul Niguez has struggled in admittedly limited showings thus far. If his poor form continues, the Blues would be unlikely to trigger his permanent option.

A ball-carrying and creative midfielder of Ndombele’s type wouldn’t appear to be what Tuchel typically demands of his middle men. Additionally, Billy Gilmour and Conor Gallagher in particular are ready-made replacements already on the books.

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Furthermore, Spurs supremo Daniel Levy is known to be a tough negotiator and Ndombele still has four years remaining on his deal.

As such, the likelihood of seeing Ndombele at Stamford Bridge appears slim at this stage, despite what the Spanish press may claim.


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Romano weighs in on Chelsea, Rudiger stand-off

Meanwhile, Chelsea’s efforts to keep Antonio Rudiger by giving him a new contract are “not over”, according to transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Rudiger is in the final year of his deal at Stamford Bridge. After previously looking likely to leave when Frank Lampard was still in charge, he has become someone to keep under Thomas Tuchel. The German has cemented his place in his compatriot’s plans for Chelsea.

According to Romano, talks are “ongoing” between Chelsea and Rudiger’s agents for a new contract. Salary is the key sticking point, but in terms of the technical project with Tuchel, Rudiger is “so happy”.

Romano also backed up that Bayern Munich and Real Madrid would be the two main contenders to sign him if he became a free agent.

Several officials from Bayern, though, have recently played down the idea of taking Rudiger back to his homeland. That said, they may just be being respectful to a player who is not their own.

Real, meanwhile, would like one more defensive reinforcement after losing Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane in the summer. In return, they only signed David Alaba as a replacement.

READ MORE: Euro Paper Talk: European giants given contract jolt as Man Utd, Tottenham lurk for star signing; Tuchel eyes Spurs steal