Tottenham, Chelsea considering battle for impressive Lille stopper

Tottenham and Chelsea are reportedly considering upping their interest in signing Lille goalkeeper Mike Maignan this summer.

While Hugo Lloris firmly remains the club’s No 1, there have been rumours suggesting that Spurs are looking for his long-term successor.

And one of those targets is Lille stopper Maignan, who has been in superb form since replacing Vincent Enyeama.

Mourinho’s current assistant Joao Sacramento knows Maignan from his similar role at Lille and has given feedback to the Portuguese.

Tottenham’s interest in the 24-year-old has been mooted for some time. But Le10 Sport, as cited by Sport Witness, now claims they are ‘monitoring the dossier very attentively’.

Spurs are not the only London club keen on Maignan, however, with Chelsea also in the running.

The report adds that the Blues are still not fully convinced by Kepa, although neither club has made an offer. Chelsea, meanwhile, are also keen on Ajax stopper Andre Onana.

As for Lille, they are ‘patiently waiting and are listening to offers’ for a player they expect to leave.

They have already anticipated Maignan’s departure by signing Leo Jardim last summer. The Ligue 1 outfit have also promoted the ‘very promising’ Luca Chevalier to their first-team squad.

Mourinho sends special message to Tottenham outcast Tanguy Ndombele

Jose Mourinho is backing Tanguy Ndombele to come good at Tottenham and said it is “no drama” that he is not in the starting line-up.

The France international arrived at Spurs in a club-record deal a year ago, but has hardly lit up north London since his arrival.

Ndombele has been beset by injury problems and has been left on the bench by both Mauricio Pochettino and Mourinho. Indeed, the latter has publicly criticised his performances and fitness.

Reports have emerged from France that Ndombele is not happy and wants to leave. Mourinho, however, has shut them down and the Portuguese sees no reason why the midfielder cannot become a success at Spurs. Read more…