Ange Postecoglou word crucial in January transfer window on Tottenham and Chelsea target Rayan Cherki
We’re delighted to welcome former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson as our exclusive columnist as each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium…
The Tottenham recruitment team will listen to Ange Postecoglou and a deal for Rayan Cherki will only be pursued if backed by the manager, says Paul Robinson.
Sky Sports reported on 11 December that the Spurs and Chelsea target was available for just £8.5million this month after a difficult time at Lyon, and with the club in need of attacking support the 20-year-old could have been a cut-price option.
But after the manager made clear this season that those who don’t fit his style won’t play for him, such as Eric Dier and Sergio Reguilon, Robinson doesn’t think the opportunity for a bargain would be enough to get the club’s attention.
Cherki is available to leave Lyon with the French side in the middle of a miserable season that sees them in the Ligue 1 relegation play-off position, while Tottenham have already added former Chelsea forward Timo Werner on a loan-to-buy deal for RB Leipzig this month.
Robinson accepts a move for the Frenchman might be on if Postecoglou gives the green light, but it would be a waste of effort for the club if the Australian isn’t driving the matter.
Speaking to Tottenham News he said: “I’m not so sure that Ange would just look to fill his squad with players that he can pick up on the cheap.
“You look at the way that Spurs have started the season and the way that he is with players like Eric Dier, like Sergio Reguilon; if you don’t fit into his system and you’re not his type of player he won’t play you.
“He’s got his first transfer window now and unless it’s his type of player [he won’t move], and I’m sure he’s got a very close relationship with the scouting network at the club, he’s got very strong views that will be listened to.
“If he’s a player that he wants and he likes then it’s a deal that could happen, but I can’t see Tottenham pushing any deals through just to get players through the door then the manager then sees them surplus to requirements.
“Postecoglou deserves to be backed. He’s earned the right to be. He came in during the summer when there was a huge change. Harry Kane left the club.
“What he’s done between the start of the season and now, the way that he’s made them play, you can see they’ve got a clear style and identity, and there’s a clear type of player that fits that mould.
“And he’s earned the right to go and knock on Daniel Levy’s door and say ‘I need backing now’. He’s got everything behind him to give him the right to do that.”
In other Tottenham news, the manager’s decision in the summer sent a loud and clear message that one Spurs player isn’t for him.