Tottenham talks take place with Villarreal over swap deal involving Tanguy Ndombele and flying wing-back
Tottenham and Villarreal have reportedly discussed a potential swap deal involving record signing Tanguy Ndombele and left-sided wing-back Pervis Estupinan.
Spurs are already known to have held discussions with the Spanish side over a permanent move for Giovani Lo Celso to head back to LaLiga after his successful loan spell with the Yellow Submarine during the 202/22 campaign.
But while that deal remains firmly on the cards, it would appear a second Tottenham man could be Villarreal bound.
Ndombele is one of several first-team stars who will be allowed to move on this summer.
Centre-back Joe Rodon is the latest, after he joined Rennes on loan with a view to a permanent deal.
And a report from Spanish journalist Xavi Jorquera Marquez claims that Spurs are open to selling Ndombele and Lo Celso to Villarreal in a double deal.
However, they are keen on a player in return – and that player is Estupinan.
Marquez claims the two clubs have spoken about potentially using Ndombele in a swap for the left-sided Estupinan.
Reguilon exit opens door for Estupinan deal
The north London club currently have Ivan Perisic, Ryan Sessegnon and Sergio Reguilon as left wing-back options. However, the latter is expected to complete a move back to Spain before the window shuts.
That leaves a potential opening for former Watford man Estupinan to return to England.
In his two seasons at Villarreal, the 24-year-old has made 42 starts and 32 substitute appearances in all competitions. He also featured in the team that reached last season’s Champions League semi-finals.
However, Villarreal have only qualified for the Europa Conference League this time around. To that end, they are open to letting the Ecuador international move on.
Estupinan was contracted to Watford between 2016 and 2020. However, he spent much of that time loaned out to other clubs.
Marquez does not mention what sort of fee will be involved. But it’s likely that Tottenham will receive a fee plus Estupinan in return for Ndombele.
Estupinan not needed at Tottenham
Despite being another strong wing-back option for Antonio Conte, Estupinan is not a signing Tottenham need.
The Ecuador star had only one assist in LaLiga last season and none in 10 Champions League appearances.
Spurs have more than enough at left wing-back already in the experienced Perisic and the more youthful Sessegnon.
And if they are to let Lo Celso and Ndombele leave then bringing in more of a playmaking central midfielder makes much more sense.
Links to James Maddison continue, but Daniel Levy is unlikely to cough up £60million. That leaves Roma’s Nicolo Zaniolo as the top option, if Tottenham can convince the Italian outfit and the player himself to do business.
Spurs saw Zaniolo’s qualities at first hand in a 1-0 friendly defeat to Roma over the weekend. But one thing is for sure, Jose Mourinho will not want to let one of his top stars join his old club on the cheap – especially after the way things ended for him in north London.
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