Sergio Reguilon heading back to Spurs as Manchester United cut loan deal short

Sergio Reguilon will return to Tottenham after Manchester United exercised a break clause in his loan deal.

The 27-year-old Spanish left-back made 12 appearances for United after joining in September following injuries to Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia.

But it's understood United have now chosen to cut short the deal with Shaw having returned to action, although he is currently out with a slight injury, and Malacia also nearing a comeback.

It is understood United included the break clause in the original deal as it was always seen as a strong possibility that Reguilon would return to London during this window.

With United having been eliminated from European competition and the Carabao Cup, it was felt there would be fewer opportunities for Reguilon to feature in the second half of the season.

He has only played for United so far this season, so could play for another club if he left Spurs during the January window.

Tottenham are looking to strengthen their defence and it's understood they have stepped up their pursuit of a new centre-back by opening talks with Genoa over the signing of Radu Dragusin.

Spurs head coach Ange Postecoglou has been in need of reinforcements, especially defensively with Micky Van de Ven absent since November and Cristian Romero now sidelined until February with a hamstring injury.

Postecoglou [above] has repeatedly made clear his desire for any January recruits to arrive during the early part of the transfer window and could get his wish with talks progressing well with Genoa.

Romania international Dragusin, 21, has established himself as a regular in Serie A during the past two seasons at Genoa after he initially came through Juventus' academy.

If Dragusin was to arrive, it could open the door for Eric