Noel Whelan thinks Tottenham target Willian may sign a new deal at Chelsea instead, in an exclusive with Football Insider. 

Speaking to football correspondent Dylan Childs, the former Leeds forward believes there could be a twist in the tale as he feels negotiations are inevitable between Willian's representatives and the Blues.

The Brazil international's contract is set to expire in June and he has been linked with a summer switch to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as Jose Mourinho looks to balance a squad overhaul with a tight budget.

Earlier this month, Premier League clubs unanimously voted to allow for contracts to be extended until the end of the season, in light of the ongoing pandemic.

It had been previously reported that Mourinho is keen to bring the 31-year-old to North London but Whelan suggests not everything may be as it seems.

Whelan commented "look, a renewal is never ever out of the question.

“You can see U-turns, even at this late stage in a player’s contract when he can go on a free. There is still lots of talking to be done between Frank and Willian.

“At the end of the day, Willian would be a fantastic signing for anybody.

“He has got loads left in the tank. A standout again for Chelsea this season. Fantastic performances this season and he does not seem to have lost any of the pace or skill that he came to Chelsea with."

He added “on a free contract, he is an absolute snip! I would love him at Leeds but he is settled in London so that is where he will want to be.”

Indeed, the 31-year-old recently dismissed reports he has held talks with his old boss, saying "I haven't had any contact with Mourinho recently," although he admitted they have a close relationship.

Ever since he arrived at Stamford Bridge from Anzhi Makhachkala for £31.95m in 2013, the Brazilian has been one of Chelsea's star performers over the years, winning the Premier League twice, the Europa League, the FA Cup and League Cup so far.

He hasn't shown any signs of slowing down, as he has the second-highest WhoScored rating out of the entire Blues squad. The speedster has scored 5 goals and created 5 assists in the English top flight this season, taking 1.9 shots per game, averaging 1.8 key passes, and making 1.9 dribbles on average (via WhoScored).

Willian is intent on staying in London and the Premier League rather than uprooting his family and moving to a new country.

However, given his age, this may be a deal Daniel Levy should avoid, as it is unlikely he would be a part of Mourinho's plans in the long-term future.

Obviously, the Chelsea winger would certainly be a good signing to make, as his credentials speak for themselves, but Spurs fans shouldn't be too disheartened if the club miss out on him in the summer.

Tottenham fans, should Daniel Levy sign Willian in the upcoming transfer window? Let us know down below!