Mauricio Pochettino has remained coy over Paris Saint-Germain’s efforts to sign Tanguy Ndombele from Tottenham in the January transfer window – the man he signed for the London club for £65m in 2019.
(Getty Images)
The 25-year-old midfielder appears unwanted by Spurs by Antonio Conte, who is desperately hoping to refresh his squad this month in order to boost their pursuit of the top four.
Ndombele, 25, last featured for Tottenham in a Premier League match on Boxing Day. In his last Spurs outing, the France international stormed down the tunnel against Morecambe – a decision that has been criticised.
Tottenham’s club-record signing has not hit the heights expected of him and while there was a sympathy from fans beforehand, that has seemingly dissipated and a move seems to be inevitable for the ex-Lyon midfielder.
And the French giants are looking for a midfield reinforcement as they look to balance their pursuit of Champions League glory alongside wrapping up the French league.
Pochettino, of course, was in charge when Tottenham signed Ndombele in 2019. Now, he could reunite with Fabrizio Romano reporting talks are ongoing over a loan move.
Talks will continue in the next hours between Tottenham and Paris Saint-Germain for Tanguy Ndombele deal. Spurs will only accept if PSG will cover 100% of the salary until end of the season. Negotiations ongoing. ⚪️ #THFC
Pochettino responded when asked about Ndombele’s transfer
“I am not talking about players who are at other clubs. “PSG, like others I think, are always open to progressing and improving. “Everything is open, there is one week left in the transfer window,” Pochettino told Amazon
Wijnaldum to Tottenham?
Not only is Ndombele from a Paris suburb, but there is also the small matter of the fact that Wijnaldum could return to the Premier League according to Daily Mail
Conte prioritises footballers who work hard and few work harder than the Dutchman, who earned a lucrative Bosman move to Paris after years of impressing with Liverpool
Wijnaldum hasn’t been overly used by Pochettino this season, and him moving in the opposite direction to north London would actually give Conte the midfield addition he craves.
Georginio Wijnaldum of PSG in action. (Getty Images)
I can’t say I’m completely happy, because the situation is not what I wanted,” Wijnaldum told Dutch outlet NOS back in October, citing a lack of playing time.
AC Milan’s Franck Kessie is the club’s primary target, but with a winter move not seeming feasible, Spurs may instead prefer a loan for Wijnaldum till the end of the season.