Aston Villa are a genuine contender to sign Tottenham target and Barcelona centre-back, Clement Lenglet, and why a second spell at Spurs isn’t likely has emerged.
Lenglet, 28, spent last season on loan at Tottenham and has re-emerged as a transfer target in north London. However, according to reports in Spain, a return to Spurs likely hinged on Giovani Lo Celso moving the other way.
But with Ange Postecoglou determined to retain the Argentine midfielder despite affording him just 16 minutes of action this season, Tottenham’s chances of re-signing Lenglet have taken a hit.
That’s opened the door for Aston Villa to strike, with Unai Emery’s side seeking cover at centre-back following Tyrone Mings’ ACL injury.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Villa are strongly considering making their move.
The transfer guru tweeted Vila are “weighing up a move” for Lenglet who is a concrete option for the final days of the window. The English deadline to register new arrivals is 11pm on Friday night.
Romano stressed Barcelona “feel sure Lenglet will leave” the club over the coming days. The trusted reporter added Lenglet has other options, though stopped short of naming names.
However, a separate report from L’Equipe has shed light on where Aston Villa’s competition lays.
They state Ligue 1 side Rennes are circling over Lenglet, while it’s noted ‘the two Seville clubs’ are also in the mix. The two Seville clubs in question are Sevilla and Real Betis.
The interest from Rennes may prove short-lived if Tottenham are willing to do business. Indeed, L’Equipe revealed earlier on Tuesday that Rennes have tabled a bid worth €9m for Davinson Sanchez.
The Athletic subsequently stated Spurs have rejected the bid, though Rennes are mulling whether to make an improved second offer.
It’ll be a case or one or the other from Sanchez and Lenglet for Rennes – not both. If they succeed in signing Sanchez, Villa will have one less club to worry about regarding Lenglet.
