'Don’t expect him to have a life at Tottenham': Ex-BBC man says Conte doesn't want 'special' gem

Former BBC pundit Noel Whelan has tipped Tottenham Hotspur defender Joe Rodon to leave the Lilywhites in the summer and join a newly-promoted Premier League club.

According to a report by Football Insider, Spurs have informed the Wales international that he is free to find himself a new club when the transfer window opens.

The 24-year-old was keen on leaving Hotspur Way in January, with the likes of Brighton and Newcastle interested in signing the defender, but a move away from north London failed to materialise.

Rodon has shone on the international stage, drawing praise as ‘flawless’ and ‘special’ from journalist Ian Mitchelmore.

Whelan has claimed that if Rodon aims to stay in the Premier League, he should consider joining a newly-promoted team as the defender is not the sort of player Conte wants.

Speaking with Football Insider, the former Leeds striker said of the 24-year-old: “He’s not in the category Conte wants in a centre-half. I don’t expect him to have a life at Tottenham.

“There are teams like Fulham who have already been promoted. There will be teams who look at him because of the Premier League status that he has had at Tottenham.

“Also, the fact that he’s an international and could be going to the World Cup. You never turn your nose up at a young centre-half.

“It wouldn’t surprise me if people who are promoted want to look at him as a possibility to take on.”

The Welshman has made just one appearance in the league this season, and with Conte’s desire to sign a new left-footed centre-half, it would appear that Rodon’s career with the Lilywhites is over. Therefore, if the player hopes to reinvigorate his career at the top level, a move elsewhere will be crucial in doing so.

Having enjoyed a number of strong