Three disgruntled Tottenham stars seeking January moves, as Conte greenlights exit of £20m enigma
Three overlooked Tottenham stars could all depart in January, with one in particular already reportedly having the greenlight from Antonio Conte to leave.
By and large, Spurs’ recruitment since Fabio Paratici took the reins has been spot on. Serie A signings have been the order of the day, with Cristian Romero, Rodrigo Bentancur and Dejan Kulusevski in particular all impressing.
Ivan Perisic has already proved himself a canny free agent acquisition. Richarlison hasn’t yet provided the goals you’d expect from a £60m (including add-ons) outlay, though he’s played a big part in softening up defences for the likes of Harry Kane and Son Heung-min to capitalise.
However, one curious signing who’s not yet worked out is Djed Spence.
The right wing-back earned a £20m move from Middlesbrough last summer thanks in large part to an incredible loan spell with Nottingham Forest.
Spence was viewed in some circles as the ideal addition for Conte who always operates with wing-backs.
However, an early red flag was raised when the Italian manager claimed Spence was more of a club signing than one of his own.
Spence has been afforded a measly 28 minutes of action across all competitions this season. The less than impressive Matt Doherty and Emerson Royal have continued to be favoured.
Now, ESPN and the Times both report Spence could be loaned out next month.
The Times report Spurs have warmed to idea of a loan exit with Spence in line to rack up some vital minutes elsewhere.
ESPN add there’s a number of unnamed Premier League and Championship sides already in the mix. They don’t name names, but the Nottingham Post suggest Forest will be among those mulling a move.
Given how Spence performed last time he was at the City Ground, a reunion with Steve Cooper makes total sense.
Two more Tottenham stars on the move?
Elsewhere, ESPN report two other stars who’ve been ‘marginalised’ could push for January moves – Japhet Tanganga and Bryan Gil.
Conte has voiced his concerns over Gil’s ability to withstand the physical nature of the Premier League. The diminutive Spaniard was loaned out to Valencia last term and interest from Sevilla is emerging this time around.
Sevilla’s recent decision to part ways with Isco by mutual consent has opened up a spot in their forward line.
Tanganga, meanwhile, has just one appearance to his name all season – a 17-minute cameo against Marseille in Tottenham’s Champions League opener.
The 23-year-old is no higher than sixth-choice in Conte’s centre-back ranks. Cristian Romero, Eric Dier, Clement Lenglet, Davinson Sanchez and Ben Davies are all in front.
ESPN don’t state whether Tottenham would A) be willing to sever ties with the pair or B) what type of deals they’d pursue if so.
Of the trio, Spence certainly looks the one with the highest chance of departing next month, though it should not come as a surprise if the others do too.
