Tottenham star angles for future move after confirming key clause is missing; admits Spurs ‘struggle’ in worrying area

A Tottenham star hinted at a future move despite confirming a clause that would make a transfer easier is absent from his current contract.

Spurs began the season brightly, going undefeated over their first seven Premier League matches. However, Antonio Conte’s side have lost two of their last four since, with both defeats coming against traditional ‘top six’ rivals.

Indeed, Tottenham were defeated in the north London derby to begin October. Spurs did have chances against Arsenal, specifically in the first half, but they erred with the final pass and the Gunners ran out 3-1 victors.

Last time out saw Tottenham again taste defeat versus one of the big boys. Manchester United played Spurs off the park and but for Hugo Lloris heroics, the winning margin could’ve been far greater than just two.

Now, speaking to the Guardian, on-loan centre-half, Clement Lenglet, stressed results against the big sides is the “next step” Conte and Spurs must take.

Tottenham didn’t struggle in that area last season, notably going undefeated in their four league clashes against Liverpool and Man City. The 3-0 win over Arsenal late in the season also helped them to secure top four.

This season has been an altogether different story, however. Aside from the defeats to Man Utd and Arsenal, Spurs also failed to beat Chelsea and relied on a last-minute Harry Kane equaliser to avoid defeat.

“We struggle against these type of teams” – Lenglet

“When you’re on the pitch you have to take risks, to increase your level with the ball,” said Lenglet.

“Without the ball, we are the best team in terms of effort. We run a lot, we are aggressive, we help our teammates. But we have to improve [with the ball].

“It’s important to say we have made the best [Premier League] start in the history of Tottenham.

“But we dropped points against three big teams and we struggle against these type of teams. That’s the next step.”

Lenglet hints at permanent Tottenham move

Lenglet was signed to compete with Ben Davies at left centre-back in Conte’s back three.

Tottenham had pursued more high profile targets, most notably Alessandro Bastoni. However, when the finances of that deal began to rise, Lenglet represented a short-term and cost effective fix and was duly signed on a one-year loan.

The 27-year-old has just three starts to his name in the league thus far. However, Conte clearly has faith in the player after handing him three starts out of a possible four in the Champions League.

Lenglet insisted his experience with Barcelona isn’t over yet. Indeed, his contract in Catalonia doesn’t expire until 2026.

However, he did hint he’d be on board with a permanent switch to north London, though confirmed his loan agreement does not contain an option to buy.

As such, if Spurs are to sign Lenglet outright next summer, a deal will have to be crafted from scratch.

“It was an amazing experience at Barcelona and it is not finished because I have a contract until 2026,” added the Frenchman.

“We don’t have an option [to extend at Spurs]. We have to wait before thinking about this.

“I have to be good on the pitch, to help the team. Maybe if everything is OK, we will speak but it’s too early.”

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