‘Massively tempting’ – Exclusive: Ex-Spur reacts to reported offer for Tottenham big name
Alan Hutton insists that Tottenham will be “massively” tempted by a stunning swap deal involving Tanguy Ndombele and two Barcelona defenders.
The former Spurs and Scotland full-back, speaking exclusively to Football Insider assistant editor Russell Edge, believes that the Lilywhites will be “desperate” for defensive reinforcements this summer.
Sky Sports report Barcelona have offered centre-back Umtiti and right-back Semedo, both 26, to Tottenham in a part-exchange deal for the Spurs midfielder.
Ndombele has been publicly criticised for his fitness levels by manager Jose Mourinho this season after his record-breaking transfer from Olympique Lyonnais last summer.
Hutton believes that a swap deal would tick a lot of boxes for Spurs and may also suit the midfielder after a difficult first year in England.
Hutton told Football Insider: “It’s massively tempting. We’re talking about two positions that Tottenham will be desperate to fill, if we’re being honest, right-back and centre-half.
“It’s well documented the Ndombele’s trouble he’s been having with Mourinho. I do believe he’s a class player, he’s definitely got the quality to make it. It’s how the manager, how Levy sees it – does the value of the players add up for what they paid for Ndombele?
“What about wages? These two players are going to be on high wages, are they going to be on more than Ndombele? There’s a lot of ifs and buts but from the outside looking in, it would be a good trade if you were to trade them.
“It is a place Ndombele could go, fit in, he’s used to that continental football and he’s not had the best of times with Mourinho so maybe his head’s a wee bit turned.”
Umtiti, a World Cup winner with France in 2018, has made just 11 La Liga appearances for Barcelona this season, while Portugal international Semedo has featured 21 times in the league.
Mourinho currently has the likes of Toby Alderweireld, Davinson Sanchez, Jan Vertonghen and Japhet Tanganga as his centre-back options, the latter also covering for Serge Aurier at right-back.
In other Tottenham news, Paul Robinson has shared his fears about Japhet Tanganga’s contract talks.