Daily Mail journalist Sami Mokbel has told the Last Word on Spurs that he has been told Antonio Conte is still unsure on whether to keep Tottenham Hotspur defender Joe Rodon – amid interest from Nottingham Forest.
Rodon, 24, joined Tottenham during Jose Mourinho’s reign in 2020 from Swansea City. But in two years at Spurs, the Wales international has only been afforded 24 appearances. He is currently cover for Eric Dier.
In the same space of time, he has played the exact same amount for Wales – 24 games, having left Swansea for Spurs with four caps to his name. Tottenham are closing in on the signing of Clement Lenglet from Barcelona.
It is likely to push Rodon further down the pecking order at Spurs. Nottingham Forest are keen, and Mokbel has discussed the future of the defender. He says Conte is unsure whether to keep the Welshman this summer.
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“I think there is domestic interest in Rodon for sure. I think [Nottingham] Forest have looked at him. From what I hear, I think Conte’s a bit unsure about whether it’s the right thing to let Rodon go,” Mokbel said.
“He looks at Rodon and he can see a player there. Has he got the time to shape him during a season where they’re going to be contesting for a top-four position, playing in the Champions League and trying to finally win a trophy?”
Mokbel: Conte unsure whether to keep Tottenham defender Rodon
Rodon is a top defender. But ultimately, with the World Cup on the horizon, he is not going to want to warm the bench at Spurs this season. He needs assurances over game time, or to request a loan move.
Eric Dier is first choice, and both Cristian Romero and Ben Davies have been superb. Davinson Sanchez and Clement Lenglet are superb options as cover – with Rodon cover for Dier.
Tottenham will want to keep him – but they might sign another defender and that will make up Conte’s mind. But at 24, he needs to be playing more games and will want to be in good form going into the World Cup.
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