Tottenham ‘board have to sell’ Emerson Royal now after major development – pundit
Kevin Phillips has tipped Tottenham to sell Emerson Royal in order sign Antonio Conte’s top targets this summer.
The former Sunderland striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, admitted the 23-year-old has “really struggled” in north London.
According to Marca (9 March), Spanish giants Atletico Madrid are interested in taking the defender back to La Liga this summer.
The report states Inter Milan are also interested, but the player reportedly prefer a return to Spain.
When asked if Tottenham could sell the right-back this summer, Phillips told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury: “I think they will.
“I don’t think Conte or Tottenham have got time to wait to see if he can adjust. Conte will want to rebuild, he’ll want his own players in there.
“If that means selling Royal to free up a wage so he can get someone else in, I think that will happen.
“The board really have to back Conte if that’s his decision. He’s really struggled at Tottenham.
“They could wait for another season to see if he can turn things around. I’m sure the manager will want to bite the bullet and get rid, 100%.”
Football Insider revealed last week (3 March) that Conte’s side have set their sights on signing former Southampton right-back Tino Livramento this summer – and have already made preliminary moves.
Royal joined Tottenham for almost £21million last August (2021).
He has notched one assist in 30 Tottenham appearances this term but has been gazumped by Matt Doherty in the pecking order in recent weeks.
In other news, pundit claims Tottenham may have found their new Moussa Dembele after reveal.