According to the Independent, Tottenham are closing in on a move for Wolves defender Matt Doherty.
If he signs, he looks set to battle with current Spurs right back Serge Aurier, following the sale of Kyle Walker-Peters to Southampton this summer.
We’ve picked out three reasons the Republic of Ireland international would be an upgrade for Jose Mourinho next season.
You know what you’re going to get
Doherty has proven himself over the last two years as a reliable Premier League performer.
By contrast, Aurier’s form fluctuates rapidly and Mourinho knows he can’t build a defence on such inconsistencies.
Aurier can be rash, ill-disciplined and caught out of position.
Doherty has been a sensation for Wolves since their promotion and it’s difficult to recall high-profile errors from him in the same way you could with Aurier.
Superior aerial presence
Doherty stands at 6ft 1in, which fits more with the physical profile Mourinho wants from his defenders.
The Irishman can defend the back post against incoming threats, although he may have to adjust his game slightly to account for the change from his Wolves right wing-back role to a more conventional right back position.
Mourinho wants players who can put themselves about physically and Doherty fits the bill moreso than Aurier.
Goal threat
Doherty netted four Premier League goals last time around, compared to just one from Aurier.
Mourinho often asks Ben Davies to tuck in at left back to give his right back more attacking freedom.
Doherty has been making the most of that at Wolves in the top flight and is more than capable of popping up with the odd goal.
He offers an attacking threat with his whipped crosses and powerful runs into the box, which have been a fixture of Nuno Espirito Santo’s gameplan in the top flight.
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