Alasdair Gold has predicted that Tottenham Hotspur may put off their pursuit of Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi until next summer.
Guehi won many admirers with his impressive displays in his first campaign at Selhurst Park following his move from Chelsea last summer.
It was reported at the start of last month that the 22-year-old was one of the centre-backs on Antonio Conte’s radar during the current transfer window (Football.London).
Spurs have since strengthened their backline with the acquisition of Clement Lenglet from Barcelona on a season-long loan deal.
However, reports indicate that the north London club are still on the lookout for another central defender, with both Joe Rodon and Japhet Tangnga linked with possible exits (Evening Standard).
Gold has now revealed that the Lilywhites are expected to strengthen their backline if Tanganga and Rodon leave but suggested the club would be on the lookout for a right-sided centre-half rather than a naturally left-sided one like Guehi.
The journalist also added that the Eagles asking price for the England international might be prohibitive for Spurs.
When asked about Tottenham’s interest in Guehi, Gold said on Q&A in Football.London: “Spurs absolutely love him and I reported earlier in the summer that the 22-year-old was one of the names on their centre-back wish list.
“He plays mainly on the left of central defence where Tottenham now have Davies and Lenglet, although the latter can play in the centre if required.
“I just wonder whether the price that Palace would ask for the England international, who has a deal until 2026, would prove to be prohibitive and whether they’d even allow him to leave this year.
“Spurs will look for another centre-back if Rodon and/or Tanganga depart in the weeks ahead but I wonder if Guehi would maybe one for next summer when I’m sure a number of teams will look at him after the World Cup.”
Spurs Web Opinion
I agree with Gold that it would make much more sense for Tottenham to bring in a naturally right-sided centre-back if Tanganga and Rodon leave.
There is nothing to suggest that Guehi cannot play on the right side of Conte’s back three but I cannot see us spending £50m on a player who would essentially be a backup to Romero.
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