Over the last week, there have been some contradictory reports regarding Tottenham’s pursuit of Lenglet.
We previously relayed an update from Sport (June 26) which claimed that Spurs had agreed terms on a three-year deal with the centre-back and were continuing negotiations with Barca on a transfer fee.
However, Fabrizio Romano revealed a couple of days ago that Ange Postecoglou’s men were no longer prioritising a deal for the Frenchman and were instead focusing on the pursuit of Edmond Tapsoba and Micky Van de Ven.
Tottenham waiting over Clement Lenglet deal
AS have now offered a reason why Tottenham are not currently advancing on a deal to sign Lenglet, stating that Barca are working to get rid of the centre-back’s €16m (£13.7m) per year wages.
It is explained that Spurs are aware of the Catalan giant’s eagerness to trim their wage bill, which is why the North London club are not in a hurry.
It is suggested that Tottenham are even hoping that Barcelona would be forced to agree on compensation with Lenglet and release him as they did Samuel Umtiti so that the Lilywhites can snap him up on a free transfer.
Lenglet spent last season on loan at Spurs, making 35 appearances across all competitions and scoring one goal (transfermarkt).
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Even if Barca do not release Lenglet, the delay in negotiations plays into Tottenham’s hands. Given the Catalan club’s current predicament, they would not want to pay Lenglet’s salary a week longer than necessary. So, they are likely to soften their stance and drop their asking price as we get deeper into the summer transfer window.
The 28-year-old Frenchman would provide new Spurs head coach Ange Postecoglou with a left-footed option at centre-back with only Ben Davies currently filling the position.
A Tottenham deal for Edmond Tapsoba, Fulham’s Tosin Adarabioyo or Micky van de Ven would represent better options, however, a cheap deal for Lenglet could prove shrewd as cover.