'That's a shock re-signing' - Exclusive: Tottenham planned contract talks surprise pundit
Tottenham will pull off a "shock" if they agree a new contract with Serge Aurier.
That is according to former Leeds United striker Noel Whelan, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about how he has been impressed by the right-back's transformation.
As revealed by Football Insider, Spurs are planning to offer a new contract to Aurier, 27, after a change of heart from Daniel Levy.
The Tottenham chairman was prepared to sell the right-back over the summer and agree terms with Spartak Moscow but is now willing to tie him down to extended terms.
Aurier's current agreement is due to expire in the summer of 2022 and the Londoners want to avoid a repeat of the draining Christian Eriksen and Toby Alderweireld contract sagas.
Whelan has applauded Aurier for coping so well with the challenge of Matt Docherty, who joined from Wolves over the summer.
"When Docherty came in everyone thought that was it for Aurier," Whelan told Football Insider. "He had always been an accident waiting to happen, too reckless and giving away free-kicks and penalties.
"But Jose Mourinho is getting the best out of him and we're now seeing performances we never thought him capable of.
"He looks switched on and is doing his job really well.
"Just a few months ago, you would never have seen Aurier getting a new contract. From that point of view, it's a shock re-signing.
"But it also makes sense if Mourinho can get the best out of him, and that's what we're seeing."
Aurier began the season as a substitute, with Doherty inserted instantly into the starting XI following his arrival.
But the Ivorian has been picked for the last five Premier League fixtures and delivered another impressive defensive display against the brilliant Sadio Mane in Wednesday's 2-1 defeat at Liverpool.