Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Moussa Sissoko is in talks over a surprise move to Premier League rivals Watford on a permanent deal, as reported by Sky Sports.
The Lowdown: No room for sentimentality as Nuno Espirito Santo re-shapes his squad
Despite starting the 2021/22 campaign in strong fashion, Lilywhites boss Nuno Espirito Santo will be keen to re-structure his squad and dispose of players not currently at the forefront of his thinking.
Not held back by any misplaced loyalties or sentimentality, the Portuguese coach has got rid of experienced figures such as Toby Alderweireld, Erik Lamela and Danny Rose [Transfermarkt].
In total, six players have left on permanent deals under the leadership of Nuno and Fabio Paratici, and it looks like we could be about to add one more big earner to that number.
The Latest: Watford in permanent talks to sign Sissoko from Tottenham
Watford are believed to be in advanced negotiations to sign 6 foot 2 ace Sissoko on a permanent deal from Tottenham Hotspur [Sky Sports].
Both clubs are 'confident' that a deal can be finalised by next week according to Alasdair Gold, who confirmed 'Spurs very much in talks' with the newly promoted side.
The France international likely to be a direct replacement for Will Hughes, who is set to depart for Crystal Palace.
Sissoko is not a priority for Nuno, who has omitted him from three match-day squads this campaign.
The Verdict: Offloading £79k-per-week
Carrying a considerable wage package at £79,000 per week, offloading Sissoko would be an intelligent move by the Spurs hierarchy that would free up funds to bring in younger talent [Salary Sport].
In 2020/21, the former Newcastle man was ever present for his current employers, but registered just two goal contributions in 42 appearances in all competitions; one goal and one assist [Transfermarkt].
Always willing to receive and recycle the ball, the 32-year-old recorded an 84.4% passing accuracy across last term [WhoScored], but his lack of end product from midfield has always been the issue.
Once labelled as ‘fantastic’ by former boss Mauricio Pochettino and 'incredible' by Football.London's Rob Guest, moving on to pastures new may be the best course of action for both Tottenham and Sissoko after five years in north London.
In other news, Tottenham Hotspur have reached a transfer agreement. Find out more here.