Matt Doherty could agree new deal after Tottenham transfer reveal – pundit
Matt Doherty can earn a new Tottenham deal if he continues his “brilliant” run of form under Antonio Conte, according to Noel Whelan.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, hailed the 30-year-old for his response to coming back into the side after Conte failed to bring in wing-back reinforcements in January.
Doherty, who was playing in an unfamiliar left wing-back role, netted Tottenham’s second goal in their 5-1 demolition of Newcastle on Sunday (3 April).
The Republic of Ireland international has now registered two goals and four assists in his last six starts for Spurs.
His current contract is set to expire in June 2024.
Conte was close to completing a deal for Adama Traore in January, but the Spain international chose to join Barcelona – reportedly after learning of the Italian’s intention to play him in a wing-back role.
When asked if Doherty could play himself into the frame for a new deal at Tottenham, Whelan told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury: “Yeah, why not?
“Look, he’s put that seed back into the mind of Conte.
“I think that was the reaction Conte wanted. We know that he wasn’t happy with the wing-back situation – he tried to sign some new options in January but couldn’t get it done.
“But Doherty wasn’t playing to his full potential, and that’s the same with most of the wing-backs at Tottenham.
“Since that January window, they’ve responded brilliantly. He’s improved them massively.
“It could have been an arm around the shoulder, it could have been a rollicking. Either way, Doherty is playing some of his best football at the moment.”
Doherty has started six consecutive league games since gazumping Emerson Royal in the pecking order in February.
Tottenham sit fourth in the Premier League with eight games remaining.
In other news, Tottenham expert expects to complete goalkeeper deal.