Tottenham transfer news as Tanguy Ndombele wanted by Galatasaray, £17m could seal exit – report
Turkish outfit Galatasaray are interested in signing Tottenham midfielder Tanguy Ndombele, according to Fabrice Hawkins.
According to the RMC Sport journalist, taking to his personal Twitter account (21 August), Tottenham want around €15m – €20m (£12.7m – £17m) for his signature but the Frenchman does not rule out staying in North London.
French outlet FootMercato reported on 2 June that Ndombele informed Napoli during a conversation between the two parties about his future that he wishes to return to North London and revive his Spurs career but there is a chance he could depart before the transfer window shuts.
It is believed that Premier League club Nottingham Forest are also interested in the 26-year-old, while Ligue 1 outfit Rennes deem Spurs’ price tag too expensive.
Hawkins tweeted: “Galatasaray is interested in Tanguy Ndombele.
“Tottenham wants to sell his midfield and would like to recover between €15m – €20m. Rennes has inquired but it’s too expensive.
“Tottenham pushed Fenerbahce back and should do the same with Nottingham. He does not rule out staying in London.”
Place in the team under threat after recent games
Although the midfielder only played 1,180 minutes during his time in Italy in all competitions, when he did feature, Ndombele certainly made an impact from midfield giving the indications that he certainly isn’t finished at Hotspur Way.
However, the way things have shaped up under Postecoglou’s first two Premier League games in North London, Ndombele could well find his spot under threat.
The likes of Yves Bissouma and Pape Matar Sarr have impressed mightily especially during the 2-0 win over Manchester United on Saturday, while Oliver Skipp is also available to Postecoglou.
With Rodrigo Bentancur still to return from injury also, the Australian coach will certainly be well-stocked in the middle of the park this summer, especially with no European football to contend with, which suggests Ndombele may have to seek pastures new.
During his two years prior to his two loan spells, the 26-year-old has certainly shown flashes of his undeniable talent but neither Jose Mourinho nor Antonio Conte managed to get the best out of him in their cautious and defence-first approach.
Postecoglou’s progressive and proactive football could well have breathed new life under Ndombele in North London.
The stats certainly suggest Ndombele has a part to play in Postecoglou’s exciting revolution. Last season for Napoli, as per FBREF, the 26-year-old had an average pass accuracy of 87.8 per cent in Serie A, putting him in the 93rd percentile for midfielders in the league.
Even more impressively, Ndombele made 3.01 progressive carries per 90 and 2.12 successful take-ons per 90. For both of these statistics, the player was in the 98th and 99th percentile respectively, for midfielders in the league.
But after last weekend’s exploits, Spurs may already have their long-term midfield trio or partnerships after a stunning display against Manchester United that pointed to a bright future under the former Celtic boss.
Where does Ndombele fit in with those plans should he remain at the club? It’s a question all parties must answer with time fast running out in the summer transfer window.
In other Tottenham news, one Premier League club want Spurs to sign their exit-linked defender so they can move for Eric Dier as a replacement.