Tottenham have changed a lot as a club over the last 14 years, but the one constant has been Ledley King. When King made his début the club finished 11th and he lined up with the likes of Ramon Vega and Rory Allen (ahh the memories), now Spurs are a Champions League club and features world stars like Bale and Modric. King has never looked out of his depth during this progression.
In fact quiet the opposite. When fit he remains one of the best centre-backs and players in the country. This seasons King’s form has also been strong, and Spurs have won in 9 of the 11 games King has played in this season.
However ‘when fit’ is an important phrase. King’s injury has limited him to just 258 appearances since joining the club, John Terry joined Chelsea at the same time and managed around 360. King does not train with the club, and essentially re-awakens his injuries every match, and recovers in time for the next. Now it appears some in Spurs are starting to question how long King unique situation can last.
The Express are reporting King and Spurs are discussing a new contract, and the negotiations are not progressing smoothly. Spurs are proposing a ‘pay-as-you-play’ style deal, apparently tired of paying King £60,000 a week to play once or twice a month. However The Express says’ a source close to King’ has said he will reject any deal related to his performances or appearances.
Despite these stumbling blocks it seems unlikely a deal will not be reached. The same source says, “Tottenham is Ledley’s club. There is no question that he wants to stay there….We are just hoping the club look after him.”
A new deal is clearly what the club, player, and fans are hoping for, but one side will need to back down in this stand off, or else it could quickly escalate into a very negative piece of PR for THFC.
