'Understood' - Tottenham now 'open' to sealing loan move for 'top' defender, says journalist

Journalist Shay Lugassi, chief editor for the Barca Times, has shared an update on Tottenham Hotspur’s pursuit of Barcelona defender Clement Lenglet.

Spurs head coach Antonio Conte is reportedly eyeing a new centre-back before pre-season begins with both the Italian and club chief Fabio Paratici eager to get business done early.

A move for Inter Milan star Alessandro Bastoni now seems unlikely with the player’s agent confirming the 23-year-old’s intention to remain at the San Siro for 2022/2023.

As such, Paratici’s scattergun approach may come into play with the Lilywhites now linked to many alternatives – including Villarreal star Pau Torres and Lenglet.

According to Lugassi, Spurs are now ‘open’ to sealing a loan move for France international Lenglet – but there is an issue with his salary demands.

Sharing news on the 26-year-old, he explained (via Twitter):

“If something was not understood, Tottenham are OPEN to getting a loan deal but the problem is the salary.”

If Spurs can whittle down these proposed wage problems, Lenglet could be a solid option at little cost if they can secure a temporary deal.

Called a ‘top player‘ by Les Bleus boss Didier Deschamps, he is a composed and assured figure at playing out from the back, averaging an impressive 91% pass accuracy over his 21 La Liga appearances last season (WhoScored).

That’s better than any Spurs player in Conte’s squad managed over 21/22, but that being said, a ‘world class’ potential signing like Torres would arguably excite fans that bit more.

In other news: ‘Better and better’ – Insider says Tottenham could make announcement ‘in the coming days’…find out more here.

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