Tottenham nearing signing number seven with key clause to help snare Destiny Udogie at rivals’ expense
Tottenham are close to forging a £21m agreement to sign Udinese left-back Destiny Udogie, and their willingness to include a key clause is aiding their cause, per reports.
Spurs conducted the bulk of their business early this summer, racking up six signings before July 20. Djed Spence was the latest addition, though per recent reports, he may not be the last.
Indeed, Fabrizio Romano tweeted Tottenham have opened talks with Udinese’s Destiny Udogie.
The 19-year-old is a forward-thinking defender who operates on the left side. He notched five goals and three assists in 35 Serie A outings last term.
Romano claimed negotiations were at an early stage, though a subsequent report from the Telegraph claims they’ve quickly ramped up.
They state Spurs are ‘close to agreeing’ a move that is expected to cost around £21m. Udogie had emerged as a target for Man City, Brighton and West Ham too, but it’s Tottenham who are in the box seat.
That, per the Times, is reportedly due to their willingness to loan Udogie back to Udinese next season. He would sign a permanent deal with Spurs, but then return to Italy on a 12-month loan.
The Telegraph cite sources from Italy that take it a step further. They state an agreement has in fact been reached already, though whether that’s jumping the gun isn’t yet clear.
Regardless, if he arrives he looks certain to be loaned back to Udinese, meaning the left-back battle this year will be contested between Ivan Perisic and Ryan Sessegnon.
Sergio Reguilon is also on the books, though could be sold back to Spain. The Telegraph state Spurs have told the 25-year-old he can leave if a suitable offer is lodged.
How high can Tottenham take Conte?
With Antonio Conte at the helm, Spurs have already re-established themselves as a Champions League club. Any questions as to whether he would be backed financially this summer have also been put to bed.
Arsenal have also bought well, while Chelsea look on course for a late-window splurge. Regardless, Tottenham already look a well-oiled machine with their Italian at the helm and a comfortable third-placed finish is not beyond them.
Chasing down Man City and Liverpool will likely be a step too far – even if Spurs did go unbeaten against the pair in the league last year.
But with Harry Kane and Son Heung-min in their primes, specialised wing-backs now on the books and Yves Bissouma adding more bite to the midfield, Spurs cans can be forgiven for looking towards the new campaign with a great deal of excitement.
