Tottenham knock back offer for Emerson Royal with transfer linked to £20m arrival

Tottenham Hotspur have turned down an offer from Atletico Madrid to take Emerson Royal on a season-long loan, claims a report.

Atletico have been chasing Royal all summer as they finally seek to replace Kieran Trippier. Spurs though have resisted an approach from the LaLiga side.

Sky Sports report that “Spurs have no intention of allowing Emerson to leave”.

Emerson joined Tottenham last summer from Barcelona for £25.8m and penned a five-year contract. He became first choice under Nuno Espirito Santo and Antonio Conte, but in truth he struggled for form.

The Brazilian made 31 Premier League appearances, scoring once and earning one assist.

Emerson’s father, who doubles up as his agent, has admitted to contact from Atletico. But claimed his son was  “very happy” and hoping to improve next season.

“I had an informal conversation with Atletico Madrid, but I am not only the agent of Emerson Royal; I have other players, so I can’t confirm this information released in the press,” said Emerson’s agent (via Football London) last week.

“Our intermediary with the press is the Portuguese journalist and neuroscientist Fabiano de Abreu Agrela. He is not only responsible for Emerson’s information, but he deals with mental and high-performance issues.

“He even revealed to me that this kind of rumour is not good for the moment, as the player is very happy at Tottenham and is living a good moment in his career, which will improve even more.”

Emerson Royal future linked to Djed Spence

There’s no doubt Atletico are intent on signing Royal, but his departure at Spurs seems intrinsically linked with the future of Djed Spence.

Tottenham are in talks with Middlesbrough for the wing-back, who spent last season on loan at Nottingham Forest.

Football Insider claims that Daniel Levy and Boro chief Steve Gibson have held positive discussions. And Spurs are now said to be just £1m short of Boro’s £20m, plus add-ons valuation.

He is a player who impressed in Forest’s promotion and was earmarked by Conte as a player of significant interest.

Matt Doherty is Conte’s other option on the right and he is a favourite of the Italian.

Conte has referred to the 30-year-old’s “improvement” and he has hailed the Rep of Ireland star’s “mentality”.

Doherty is under contract until 2024 and all set to get another season to impress Conte.

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