Tottenham transfers: Ange Postecoglou greenlights exit of key first team star as replacement waits in wings
Ivan Perisic, Harry Kane and Son Heung-min stand over Tottenham free-kick
Ange Postecoglou has reportedly given the nod for a key Antonio Conte first-team star to quit Tottenham this summer as a new signing prepares to take his place.
It’s expected to be a busy summer window for Spurs, with new boss Ange Postecoglou already welcoming three new additions through the door while the club also completed permanent deals for Dejan Kulusevski and Pedr Porro.
And while quality incomings are expected to strengthen the Australian’s starting XI and bench, there are still a number of players who are surplus to requirements in north London.
One of those who is certain to be shown the door is veteran wing-back Ivan Perisic.
The 34-year-old has entered the final year of his contract and has already indicated that he wants to leave, having seen Conte axed earlier in the year.
Trusted journalist Gianluca Di Marzio revealed earlier this month that the Croatian is close to joining Hajduk Split back in his homeland and that he could terminate his contract to force through the switch.
And former Tottenham defender Alan Hutton is backing an exit for the former Inter Milan star.
End of the line for Perisic
The Scot told Football Insider: “He has obviously looked after himself in his career, to still be playing at this level at the age he is shows you what kind of professional he is.
“Ange does not strike me as a guy who would beg a player to stay.
“I think if somebody was coming to him and saying they do not see their future at the club I think he would say no problem and let them go.
“He is rebuilding a football team here. Is Perisic the guy who is going to be there for a number of years, no he is not. That is one body out and he can get somebody else in who actually wants to be there.
“So I do not think he would stand in his way.”
If and when Perisic does leave, Spurs already have a ready-made replacement on the left side of their defence in the shape of Destiny Udogie.
The Italian was actually signed last summer but spent last season back on loan at Udinese, where he enjoyed another hugely impressive campaign.
The defender, who prefers to play as a wing-back but can also be utilised in a back four, has yet to join up the Tottenham squad for pre-season training as he takes a break after playing for Italy Under-21s at the European Championships.
