Tottenham are ‘close to agreeing a season-long loan deal for French centre-back Clement Lenglet’

Tottenham are edging closer to agreeing a season-long loan deal for Barcelona’s French centre-back Clement Lenglet.

The Frenchman is reportedly keen on a move and the Catalan giants are believed to be happy for him to leave, with Football Espana reporting that the finer details on the move are close to completion.

Lenglet would become Antonio Conte’s fifth signing of the window as he looks to strengthen his side ahead of a Champions League campaign, and the Italian has been quick to action in the transfer market.  

Clement Lenglet is close to joining Tottenham on a season-long loan deal from Barcelona

Having secured a place at football’s most lucrative tournament, Conte was keen to reinforce his defence, but the £60million fee for Richarlison has understandably put a considerable debt in his war chest. 

Lenglet therefore represents a very good value option, as the club would only have to cover his wages, believed to be around £5m-a-year, and he is reportedly keen to leave Barcelona. 

The France international joined Barca from Sevilla in a £30m deal in 2018 and despite making 160 appearances, has slipped down the pecking order in recent years after the emergence of Ronald Araujo. 

Antonio Conte has acted quickly in the transfer market bringing in four signings already

Lenglet now finds himself out in the cold, and a move to the Premier League side could provide him with the fresh start needed to reignite his career. 

He will likely play as Conte’s left-sided centre-back alongside Eric Dier and Christian Romero in the Italian’s preferred back three, should the deal go ahead. 

Conte’s side had join those linked with a potential move for Italian defender Alessandro Bastoni, but he will likely command too high a fee for the north London side, especially after Richarlison’s arrival. 

Richarlison is expected to be a good option for boss Antonio Conte across the forward line

The Brazilian forward, 25, has arrived for an initial fee of £50m, but add-ons could take the package beyond the £54m paid for Tanguy Ndombele in 2019.

Richarlison has signed a five-year deal and follows Ivan Perisic, Yves Bissouma and Fraser Forster through the door at the north London club.

A number of players are also expected to depart this summer to free up shape for the new arrivals – with Harry Winks, Tanguy Ndombele and Emerson Royal among those who could leave.