Tottenham Hotspur are interested in a deal to bring Barcelona right-back Emerson Royal to North London this summer, as reported by The Telegraph.
The Lowdown: Right-back on the agenda in N17
Following a summer of upheaval at N17, much mystery still envelops the right-back department at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as the transfer window peters to a close.
Japhet Tanganga has started off the new campaign as the Lilywhites’ preferred option in the role, earning praise from Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville for his role in defeating Manchester City on the opening day [Inside Futbol].
Matt Doherty looks to be second in command, whilst wantaway Spurs ace Serge Aurier has been heavily linked to French champions Lille [TEAMtalk].
With Doherty yet to prove himself however and Tanganga also an option at centre-back, Tottenham look set to try and acquire another right-sided defender in the last few days of the window.
The Latest: Paratici looks to strike agreement for Emerson
Tottenham sporting director Fabio Paratici is said to be eyeing a swoop for Barcelona full-back Emerson on a season-long loan deal [The Telegraph].
The Catalan giants are believed to be open to getting the 6 foot Brazilian's wages off the books for the rest of the year due to their well-documented financial irregularities, with Tottenham reported to be exploring the idea of bringing him to England.
It is understood that out-of-favour Aurier may need to move on before any move can be sanctioned.
Sky Sports have since added their own update to the mix, claiming that talks are well underway and it could yet be a loan deal or a permanent move.
The Verdict: Quality depth
With injuries and downturns in form always a possibility over the course of a campaign, acquiring another quality option in the right-back area may prove to be a sound investment for Tottenham.
The timing of any prospective switch may come as a surprise, after Barcelona only exercised their right to bring the 22-year-old back from Real Betis in June after two years on loan in Seville [FC Barcelona].
Providing a forward threat down the flank though, the Brazil international managed to score two goals in 38 outings for Betis, also laying on a further four assists for his teammates [Transfermarkt].
He also possesses great instinctual awareness to danger, as he managed to record an average of 2.7 tackles per fixture across last term in La Liga [WhoScored], also racking up 20 yellow cards across his two seasons on loan - he loves to get stuck in.
Put simply, Emerson would be an upgrade on anything Spurs currently have in his position, due to his unique mixture of defensive and offensive quality. A temporary deal seems to suit all parties if it goes through.
In other news, a Tottenham stalwart has left the building after five years in London. Find out more here.