Tottenham man advised to quit and consider surprise move to Prem rivals
Tottenham midfielder Harry Winks has been told to leave Tottenham if he hopes to work his way back into Gareth Southgate’s England plans.
Having fallen out of Jose Mourinho’s first choice 11, Winks was left out of the Three Lions’ squad for last month’s World Cup qualifiers. He has made just 10 Premier League appearances this term, with three of those from the bench. By the same stage last year, he had played 30 games and looked to be a key part of Spurs’ future.
As a result, the academy graduate is now being linked with a move away. Indeed, Tottenham are also prepared to listen to offers and would demand between £15million and £20million for the player.
La Liga outfit Atletico Madrid are reportedly plotting a surprise swoop. Valencia and Sevilla are other potential suitors in Spain.
Everton are also said to be keen, but Southampton have emerged as another option.
What’s more, Mourinho’s rumoured interest in Saints’ Jannik Vestergaard could see Spurs push for Winks to head to south coast to improve their chances of landing the defender.
Winks told of Southampton appeal
After hearing of Southampton’s interest in Winks, one pundit has laid out why it would be a good move.
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Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho says a game against Manchester United will always be special ahead of their clash in the Premier League on Sunday.
Noel Whelan believes St. Mary’s would be a great place for Winks to flourish and regain his England place.
Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan said: “You’ve got other England players there as well, it shows it is not a club where you are out of fashion and you’re not going to get looked upon.
“That’s what he wants, he wants to break back into the England fold. He knows he can do that because there are players at Southampton who have gone and done that as well.
“You want to be playing regularly, it’s the only way you’re going to get back into the national side. It’s the only way Gareth Southgate is going to recognise that you’re progressing.”
Having debuted in 2017, Winks has racked up 10 caps for England so far. His most recent appearance came in the 4-0 win over Iceland last November.
Whelan went on to add that even if Winks does not join Southampton, he must seek out a fresh challenge anyway.
“It’s important if he’s out of favour there, that he just moves,” he remarked.
“Go to another club and start enjoying your football because he’s too good to be sitting on the bench. Someone that can get in the England side without even playing regularly shows that they’ve got something to offer.
“He’s a very good age. Everything is in front of Harry winks but he needs to be strong about this. If Jose is going to be there and he’s not going to be in favour then he needs to leave.”
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