Exclusive: Tottenham tipped to sign 26-yr-old + one other after big development
Paul Robinson has identified Samuel Umtiti as the “ideal” replacement for Jan Vertonghen if the defender leaves Tottenham this summer.
The ex-Spurs and Leeds United keeper, speaking exclusively to Football Insider correspondent Dylan Childs, suggested Jose Mourinho will want to strengthen the position with “more than one” if the 33-year-old departs.
Vertonghen looks nailed on to leave the Lilywhites on a free in July having rejected a one-year contract extension, Football Insider has learned.
The centre-half’s current deal is due to expire in June, bringing the curtain down on an eight-year spell in north London.
Sky Sports claim Samuel Umtiti has been offered to Spurs in exchange for Tanguy Ndombele as Barcelona look to add power to their midfield.
Robinson suggests the World Cup winner would be the ideal replacement for Vertonghen if, as expected, he departs this summer.
“Umtiti is what they need.” he told Football Insider.
“Vertonghen has not been himself. Whether it has been the contract, but it looks like he has always had it in mind to leave.
“He has looked disheartened at times, you could see it in his body language. He has not been himself.
“Someone like Umtiti, who is only 26, would be ideal if Vertonghen is leaving.
“If he does leave it is a position they will have to look at. I suspect they will strengthen with more than one but Umtiti fits the bill. He would be a great signing.”
Umtiti, like Vertonghen, is a left-footed defender capable of being utilised at left-back or, primarily, as a left-sided centre-half.
The Belgium international has 311 appearances for Spurs since arriving from Ajax in 2012.
In other Tottenham news, Kevin Phillips has told Football Insider why Mauricio Pochettino is set to turn down offer to manage Newcastle United next season.