Tottenham are reportedly progressing in discussions with Barcelona for 28-year-old defender Clement Lenglet.
According to SPORT via Sport Witness, Tottenham are eager to find a solution with Barcelona for Clement Lenglet as talks progress between the two clubs. The Catalan giants are keen to get rid of the 28-year-old defender to free up wages and balance their financial book, while Spurs are angling for a compromise.
Clement Lenglet may now have experienced the best of times in a Tottenham shirt after his loan spell in the Premier League. He was considered one of their better-performing stars in an otherwise abject season that saw them finish outside of European places.
Yet, Spurs are considering keeping the 28-year-old Frenchman on board and extending his loan deal. Barcelona are now eager to send him on another temporary deal and hoped to sell him outright for a considerable fee.
Barcelona’s financial situation dictates the need to cull their wage bill and raise significant funds before June 30. Hence, they would like to cash in on Lenglet. But Tottenham are only willing to offer €5 million for the experienced Frenchman.
The report claims talks are progressing between the two sides as Tottenham are ready to offer Lenglet a five-year contract. The 28-year-old might receive lower wages than his current Barcelona deal, but the agreement’s longevity could provide him with some security.
Reports suggested the two clubs could engage in a swap deal involving Lenglet and Giovani Lo Celso. The 28-year-old could sign on a standalone deal despite Barcelona’s evident interest in the Argentine midfielder.
For now, Barcelona’s priority would point towards culling their wage bill. Lenglet’s permanent departure could help them in a big way, as Spurs eye a bargain signing considering the experience the Frenchman boasts. Meanwhile, the north Londoners also have sights set on another defender in Galatasaray’s Victor Nelsson.
The Danish star and Lenglet in the team will have significant strength at the back. As for Barcelona, they will want to steady their finances in the short term and then make plans to bring necessary players later in the window.
Lenglet seems settled in the Tottenham dressing room and could be open to re-joining the north London side. Barcelona will undoubtedly see a player leave for a lower fee, as they might have wanted more to sell the French defender.
