Tottenham transfers: Confusion reigns over Ange Postecoglou target as defender deal ‘not even close’
There are mixed messages from Spain regarding Clement Lenglet with one outlet suggesting the Barcelona star is nowhere near a permanent move to Tottenham.
The 28-year-old spent last season on loan with Spurs, making 24 starts among 26 Premier League appearances. The France international also featured heavily in the Champions League, with seven outings in Europe’s elite club competition. His time at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium was not deemed a total success.
However, it seems as though the north Londoners are keen to make his move a permanent one.
Having joined Barca in 2018 from Sevilla, the former Nancy star has made 160 appearances in all competitions for the Catalans.
However, he was largely overlooked during the 2021-2022 campaign, with just seven LaLiga stars.
That prompted a loan move to north London and it seems as though Ange Postecoglou wants him to return.
Sport Witness are reporting on the saga. They carried a story from Catalan newspaper Sport, stating it is ‘logical’ that Barcelona accept Tottenham’s €5m offer.
However, Mundo Deportivo state a possible move to Tottenham is ‘not even close’, the polar opposite of other reports.
It remains to be seen if a deal can be completed after the France international was given an extra week off by Barcelona.
He trained alone at home in the hope of sealing a move away from the Nou Camp.
But, as nothing has materialised, the clock is now ticking to find the stopper a new home.
Tottenham still have work to do for Lenglet deal
Reports earlier this week highlighted Tottenham’s hopes of signing Lenglet. However, it was pointed out that a potential deal ‘is not progressing’.
The transfer fee is not an issue, with the ex-Sevilla man though to be available for less than €10m.
That would not be a problem for the capital outfit but it is said there is an issue over unpaid wages from Barca.
Whether that can be resolved in the near future is open to debate.
But there has been talk that Spurs might use Giovani Lo Celso as part of the deal in order to speed things up.
The Spanish giants’ financial woes have been well documented in recent years. And they are keen to get the centre-half of their wage bill as soon as possible.
That is why he would be available at a knockdown price during the off-season.
He is due to report for training on Monday but is not in Xavi’s plans for the current campaign.
Spurs have already converted Pero Porro’s loan deal into a permanent move. And their next piece of business might be to follow suit with Lenglet.
Whether that is in the near future will depend on which report from Spain proves to be correct.
