Italian outlet CalcioMercato claim Tottenham midfielder Tanguy Ndombele will undergo a medical at Napoli on Thursday before completing a loan-to-buy move to the Serie A side – with Napoli paying just an initial £850,000.
Ndombele, 25, is one of the so-called ‘bomb squad’ which has been tagged by journalists this summer. Along with Gio Lo Celso, Sergio Reguilon and Harry Winks, he has been training by himself, away from Antonio Conte’s first team.
Lo Celso has left to rejoin Villarreal on loan, with differing reports over whether there is a permanent clause included. Now, France international Ndombele is next of the four to go – with Napoli closing in on a move for the midfielder.
It comes after just 91 appearances in three seasons, following his club-record arrival during Mauricio Pochettino’s era. His work rate and attitude has been questioned, as has his ability to physically complete 90 minutes of football.
A disappointing return to Lyon on loan has seen Ndombele return. Now, Spurs have agreed an initial loan fee of just £850,000 – with a permanent clause included of £25.3million. He will travel to Italy on Thursday to undergo a medical.
Tottenham midfielder Ndombele to undergo Napoli medical on Thursday
Having finished third in last season’s Serie A, Napoli have automatically qualified for the group stages of the Champions League this season. It means Ndombele has secured himself a fantastic move, despite his recent form.
For Tottenham, it is a poor one. Yes, they are finally seeing light at the end of the tunnel in terms of Ndombele. They have taken a step closer to ridding themselves of his pay cheque. But it is a massive loss that will be recorded.
If, of course, Napoli sign him permanently next summer. A six-figure loan fee is nothing. Then, £25.3million to sign him permanently is less than half of what Spurs paid to bring him to London. But they could hardly request much more.
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