Tottenham Hotspur insider John Wenham has dropped an intriguing exit claim regarding midfielder Pape Matar Sarr, revealing Spurs could wait until the final moments of the window to decide on his future.
The lowdown: Stuttering start
Signed for £14.5million from Metz last summer having excelled in France (Daily Mail), Sarr was immediately loaned back to the French Ligue 1 outfit for the remaining of the 2021/22 campaign.
Despite playing a part in the Senegal triumph in the Africa Cup of Nations, the 19-year-old struggled massively on the temporary deal in France and has since returned to north London - he was part of the squad for the pre-season tour of South Korea.
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And after reputable journalist Fabrizio Romano claimed that AC Milan were keen on taking Sarr on loan recently, there remain question marks as to whether the teenager will be part of Antonio Conte's squad for the new season.
The latest: 'There is lots of talk'
Speaking to Football Insider, Wenham - who breaks news about the club on his Lilywhite Rose social channels - confirmed that there is an interest from Italy in the eight-cap starlet, but the decision may be a dramatic last-minute thing.
He said: “Pape Sarr came on against Rangers, he could be an interesting prospect this season. With Sarr, it’s worth mentioning that he would not have to be included in our 25-man squad because he is 19.
“It’s a free hit for Tottenham whatever they decide to do with him this year. I know there is lots of talk about a potential loan move to AC Milan.
“It will be interesting to see what happens with him because he doesn’t need to be registered. Tottenham don’t need to worry about him taking someone else’s space.
“If they do want to get rid of him then there is the chance to wait until right at the end of the window.”
The verdict: Stay put
Despite the capture of Yves Bissouma bolstering the midfield options at Conte's disposal, there remains a weakness in the department with Harry Winks continually linked to a move away, so keeping hold of Sarr may become all the more important.
Last season, the Senegalese youngster - who was dubbed a 'huge talent' by Romano upon signing for the Lilywhites - scored once and provided three assists in 33 French top flight outings, but his failure to kick on from the previous season in Ligue 1 suggests it could be time to let him grow at Hotspur Way.
Equally comfortable in defensive, box-to-box and advanced midfield roles, the talented prodigy may still be in the infancy of a fledgeling career but already possesses all of the attributes required to add a new dimension and depth to the Tottenham ranks.
Albeit Sarr would be unlikely to play a leading role from the outset, Conte will need to utilise all of the options if Spurs are going to be competitive across all four competitions next term and therefore, keeping the 6-foot teenager would save Fabio Paratici from needing to return to the transfer market.