Darren Bent claims Japhet Tanganga could leave Tottenham Hotspur and join a “top team” to chase his dreams if they cannot convince him to sign a new deal.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Spurs star insists Tanganga has got what it takes to become a “top defender” and rivals will be closely monitoring the situation.
According to The Athletic, Tanganga’s future at Tottenham is reportedly in doubt.
Recent reports revealed talks between the two sides have stalled, as his representatives are unhappy with the offer on the table.
The Lilywhites have offered the England U20 international a £15,000-a-week contract, which is a significant increase on the £1,000-a-week wages he currently earns.
It seems he feels he is worth more than what Spurs are offering as he has refused to sign a new deal so far.
The player-turned-pundit insists the defender has shown what he is capable of and believes the club could lose their academy graduate if they fail to sort out this dispute.
Bent told assistant editor Russell Edge “listen, he’s young enough and good enough to go and get a very, very good club. He’s not even got going yet.
“We’ve seen in flashes of how good he can be so we know he’s got the potential to do really, really well. That’s the last thing Spurs want, to see one of their young stars walk out the door for next to nothing.
“It wouldn’t surprise me if one of the top teams look at that situation and think he’d do a job for us – I feel he’s a player who, with some good coaching, he’s got all the attributes to become a top defender.”
It is hard to argue with Bent on this one, as Tanganga has been one of the few success stories in a challenging campaign for Jose Mourinho’s side.
The 21-year-old has impressed plenty of people with his performances this season, and has already played 6 games in the Premier League so far, despite his young age. He is currently valued at a mere £6m via Transfermarkt.
Remarkably, he has actually earned a higher WhoScored rating than his teammates Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen – to name but a few.
However, the latest offer would still make him one of the lowest-paid members of the squad, and he is holding out for a higher salary.
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It is worth pointing out Chelsea’s Callum Hudson-Odoi, who is only a couple of years younger than Tanganga, currently earns wages worth £120,000-a-week after he handed in an transfer request in an attempt to force a move to Bayern Munich.
Whether or not Tanganga will choose to follow a similar approach remains to be seen, but the board will be hoping they can convince him to stay at Spurs for the foreseeable future, amid interest from overseas.
Tottenham fans, should Daniel Levy give Tanganga what he wants? Let us know down below!
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