Tottenham Hotspur will entertain offers to sell Joe Rodon in the January transfer window, along with loan approaches for the reported Newcastle United target, according to 90min.
Rodon has failed to establish a key presence in North London since leaving Swansea City in 2020. The 24-year-old has so far amassed just 20 appearances in all competitions, with six outings this term. Antonio Conte has also only fielded the centre-half once since joining.
Conte gave Rodon his only minutes under the Italian to date in Tottenham’s shock Europa Conference League defeat to Mura. He also only played 54-minutes against the Slovenian side, despite producing the best display of Spurs’ defenders with a crucial last-ditch tackle.
Tottenham chiefs still rate Rodon highly, but accept he needs to be playing regularly so will listen to loan bids. Six unnamed clubs have already approached the north London outfit to discuss his availability. But the 22-cap Wales enforcer is yet to pick where he wants to go.
Newcastle leading Rodon transfer race, with Tottenham exit likely
Newcastle are among the clubs interested in a move for Rodon if Tottenham do transfer list the £9.5k-a-week centre-back. The Telegraph also report the Toon lead Leeds United in the race for Spurs’ £11m defender, as Eddie Howe turns his eye to the capital for new options.
The Magpies’ are likely to target a loan deal for the rest of the season given their relegation fight. But 90min suggest Newcastle could eye a permanent transfer, with Tottenham open to selling Rodon in January, in order to keep their two slots for Premier League loans free.
Brighton & Hove Albion and Watford could also offer Rodon a chance to rebuild his career away from Spurs, though. The Telegraph add the Hornets are tracking his situation. Seagulls boss Graham Potter also worked with Rodon at Swansea and may eye a new defender.
Should Howe try to buy Rodon in January?
Howe is desperate to sign a new defender in January to help try and guide the Magpies to safety. So, Tottenham outcast Rodon may be a wise transfer target for Newcastle to land.
One of the issues with the squad Howe adopted from Steve Bruce is the absence of pace at centre-half. Bruce tried to address the issue this summer with Axel Tuanzebe, per Chronicle Live. But Aston Villa loaned the speedy Manchester United defender for the term, instead.
Rodon could give Howe’s Newcastle what Bruce hoped Tuanzebe would with a deal for the Tottenham defender Jose Mourinho signed. He is also a quick-thinking, no-nonsense type who can control the air and is likely available permanently or on loan.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
