Conte told to block Tanganga loan after BBC’s Tottenham talks update – pundit
Noel Whelan has suggested Antonio Conte should block Japhet Tanganga from leaving Tottenham on loan this month.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the 22-year-old could prove a valuable squad member between now and the end of the season.
As reported by BBC Sport on Friday (21 January), Spurs are in talks with AC Milan over a potential loan move, with a decision to be made next week.
The defender has struggled for Premier League minutes since Conte’s arrival.
However, Whelan suggested Spurs should keep him on board as cover and competition for the starting XI.
Discussing a potential move for Tanganga, Whelan told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “I think you’re still monitoring players and trying to get to know their games.
“When you come in as a manager, especially to a big club like Tottenham, I think sometimes you can’t really afford to let too many players go. You need to keep your squad there.
“I do think you need to keep them to give you options, just in case there are more injuries. At least you’ve got these replacements.
“I think, come next season, you’ve got a better time to plan what you want and where you need to go.
“What formation are you going to play? What defenders are going to be your first choice?
“When you’ve assessed everything, I think that’s a better time to start going: ‘He’s going to be surplus to requirements. Let’s get him off the wage bill, at least 50 per cent of it. Get him out there playing.'”
Tanganga has made 10 appearances under Conte so far.
However, only four of those have come as starts in the league.
In other news, Football Insider can reveal Tottenham are set to beat West Ham to new signing.