Tottenham star ‘expecting’ dream Plan B to happen after hitting top suitor with fresh transfer concern

Tottenham midfielder Harry Winks has held up a move to Sampdoria because he has an alternative exit plan in mind, a report has claimed.

The Englishman is one of a number of players who have been on Spurs manager Antonio Conte’s exit list this summer. Some, such as Steven Bergwijn and Giovani Lo Celso, have already left.

Winks, though, is still waiting to get his transfer away, with a number of clubs having links with a move.

Everton have led the way as regards Premier League interest, although manager Frank Lampard has now withdrawn his interest.

Earlier in the window, Tottenham reportedly discussed including Winks in a deal for Nicolo Zaniolo. However, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has said that Roma have not renewed their interest after Spurs decided against signing Zaniolo.

As a result, Gianluca di Marzio claims that Roma’s Serie A rivals Sampdoria are keen on Winks. In fact, they reportedly lead the race for the 26-year-old England international.

On Tuesday evening, Sampdoria looked certain to seal the arrival of the midfielder. However, Winks has reportedly asked for a couple more days to decide on the proposal.

Tellingly, he would rather stay in the Premier League. After Everton backed out of the race, though, there seem few avenues for Winks to explore in that regard.

But the Tottenham star is reportedly ‘expecting’ an offer from an English top-flight club before the transfer window shuts next Thursday.

Winks played a key role in the early stages of Conte’s Tottenham reign. Since the January transfer window, though, his minutes have dwindled and he has yet to play this season.

January addition Rodrigo Bentancur has become a key player for Conte, as has Yves Bissouma, this summer’s midfield signing.

Harry Winks could follow Ndombele, Tottenham footsteps

Tanguy Ndombele is another player who wanted out of Tottenham this summer – and he has got his wish.

Spurs’ record signing in 2019 has moved to Napoli on loan and a move to Sampdoria for Winks would also see him move to Serie A.

The pair were crucial for former Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino but have both struggled since then.

And should Winks decide to move to his top suitor – as it stands – he and Ndombele will look to revive their careers in Italy.

Many other English players before Winks have done so, including Tammy Abraham and Fikayo Tomori.