Tottenham unleash new plan to secure major defensive target with one of their own to swap places
Tottenham Hotspur have come up with a new plan whereby they could sign Roger Ibanez from Roma – and it involves giving up one of their own players to Jose Mourinho’s side.
Spurs have been repeatedly mentioned as leading contenders for Ibanez’s signature. The expectation was that Roma would be cashing in on the defender by the end of the month to meet Financial Fair Play targets.
But the Serie A side seem to have found a workaround by getting rid of a range of fringe players instead. It means there is less time pressure for the Ibanez transfer to go through.
Negotiations could complicate, then, since Roma are now theoretically in a stronger position to command what asking price they like for one of their regular starters.
Nevertheless, Tottenham continue to be linked with the Brazil international, whom they could now bring to the Premier League courtesy of a new formula.
According to Leggo, Spurs could sign Ibanez as part of a swap deal. Heading in the other direction, it is claimed, would be Ben Davies.
Reports in May indicated that Tottenham would listen to offers for Davies this summer. At the age of 30, it could be time for him to take on a new challenge.
Although Spurs still have Davies under contract until 2025, they are willing to bring an end to his nine-year spell with the club. And if it helps them get Ibanez, his destination could be Roma.
The Swansea City academy graduate has only ever played in the Premier League before. Interestingly, he did have an experience playing abroad in his youth career, when he developed in Denmark with Viborg FF.
Davies to Roma helps Ibanez to Tottenham?
Now, if Leggo is to be believed, he could reunite with Mourinho at Roma. Of his 311 appearances for Tottenham, 52 came under the Special One’s management.
The Giallorossi’s own main left-back, Leonardo Spinazzola, is facing an uncertain future. He has reached the final year of his own contract and it doesn’t look like it will be renewed.
Monday’s Euro transfer gossip included an update that Spinazzola may have an offer on the table to move to Saudi Arabia, as is becoming a trend for certain players this year.
Therefore, Roma might take Davies in a swap with Ibanez. The Wales international could then either directly replace Ibanez on the left-hand side of Roma’s back three, or succeed Spinazzola as their wing-back, considering that the Europa League runners up have already added Evan Ndicka to their squad as a centre-half.
Ibanez’s role at Tottenham would be more clearly defined, since he is predominantly a centre-back. Unlike Davies, though, he is not left-footed, so he would not be a like-for-like replacement.
Regardless, there would be elements of this trade that would benefit each club, so it will be interesting to see if there is anything concrete behind the rumour.
When the news of Tottenham putting Davies up for sale initially emerged, no potential suitors were named. Now, they may have something to work on.
By joining Roma, Davies could link up with fellow British players Chris Smalling and Tammy Abraham. He would be the second Welsh international in the club’s history after John Charles, who was more famous for his spells with Leeds United and Juventus.
Tottenham are already set to welcome a replacement for Davies when Destiny Udogie is integrated after his loan spell at Udinese.
