Ange Postecoglou told Emerson Royal is 'not the answer' as Tottenham transfer prediction emerges

Tottenham defender Emerson Royal is "not the answer" for Ange Postecoglou's issues at left-back while Destiny Udogie is out injured, according to Alan Hutton.

The Brazilian started for Spurs in their Premier League defeat against Liverpool at Anfield but was slammed by pundits and supporters alike for his poor marking which allowed Mohammed Salah to break the deadlock.

Following that display, the 25-year-old was dropped back to the bench for the Lilywhites' 2-1 win over Burnley on Saturday (11 May) and remained an unused substitute as Oliver Skipp instead deputised for Udogie.

Despite Skipp's good display, Hutton isn't convinced either he or Sergio Reguilon are a better option for Postecoglou as a long-term deputy and has admitted that he expects the Spurs boss to sign a new left-back this summer.

"It has just shown the weakness on that side when Udogie is not playing," Hutton told Tottenham News.

"They don't have a real quality backup. Emerson Royal for me, I think he was at fault a few times in the Liverpool game, he had no idea where Mohammed Salah was. Look Salah is an outstanding footballer, but you have to do better.

"When you're chasing the top four you have to be better than that defensively. It's probably an area where he might look to strengthen and bring somebody in as a backup if Udogie's not playing.

"You've got Reguilon who will be coming back from Brentford I'm pretty sure. Is he an option? Or is he one to leave? I don't know, but Emerson is not the answer for me."

Will Tottenham and Ange Postecoglou sell Emerson Royal during the summer transfer window?

It is unfortunate for Spurs that both Ben Davies and Udogie have picked up injuries at the same time as it has perhaps exposed the Lilywhites' lack of defensive depth ahead of the summer transfer window.

While Davies has been criticised in the past for his performances when he has been called upon, particularly after the North London derby defeat to Arsenal, he is a much more natural fit on the left side than Emerson ever has been.

But with Champions League qualification now looking unlikely this season, Postecoglou may have to sell players before adding to his squad this summer.

That could well mean that Emerson is shipped out when the window opens and some reports have suggested that Spurs have already begun considering selling the Brazilian [Football Insider, 7 May]

If Reguilon is also axed permanently come the end of the season, Spurs will simply have to look for a new left-back because they cannot only really on Udogie considering his injury record.

In other Tottenham news, Ivan Toney has been tipped to prefer a move to North London this summer ahead of West Ham United

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