Squad number snub spells exit for Serie A-linked Tottenham star

Jose Mourinho Tottenham

Tottenham Hotspur’s squad number reveal appears to be the final nail in the coffin of the Spurs career for a Serie A-linked defender.

Jose Mourinho’s side have taken a measured approach to the summer transfer window thus far.

The club finished last season strongly, but in an effort to shape the team in his image, Mourinho has brought in several experienced heads with plenty of Premier League experience.

England veteran Joe Hart has been given another chance at redemption. While Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Matt Doherty’s acquisitions have been roundly praised as smart business.

With funds predcitably limited under Daniel Levy, however, several exits will be required before further additions can be made.

One such departure could come in the form of left-back Danny Rose.

The 30-year-old quickly fell down the pecking order under Mourinho, and was seen arguing with the Portuguese manager on the club’s ‘All or Nothing’ documentary.

A loan spell with Newcastle swiftly materialised. But the Magpies opted to sign Jamal Lewis rather than attempt to bring Rose in on a permanent deal.

Now, Tottenham’s squad number reveal for the upcoming season has given the clearest indication yet that Rose’s future lays elsewhere.

Formerly the number three, Rose has not been assigned a number, with the three shirt now vacant.

 

Rose has 12 months remaining on his current deal and was recently linked with a switch to Italian side Genoa.

Fellow defender Cameron Carter-Vickers was also not assigned a squad number.

 

Mourinho blasts UEFA; reveals insight on striker hunt

Mourinho Tottenham TEAMtalk

Meanwhile, Mourinho claims he is confident that Tottenham will sign a new striker before the transfer window closes.

Spurs opted not to replace Fernando Llorente after releasing the veteran last summer, and failed to sign cover in January following Harry Kane’s injury.

While Kane eventually returned thanks to the mid-season delay, Mourinho is well aware that he needs more options up front.

Recent reports suggested he had a three-man shortlist of targets to help rectify the problem, and the Portuguese tactician insists that the club know his wishes.

Read the full story here.