EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey
Premier League giants Tottenham Hotspur have informed Joe Rodon that he is not part of their future plans while Leeds United look to strike a permanent deal for the £11 million defender.
HITC Football understands that, with the Wales international not part of Ange Postecoglou’s thinking, it is more likely than not that his four-year spell as a Tottenham Hotspur player will come to an end over the next few months.
Spurs have informed Joe Rodon that he is not in their long-term plans following the £26 million arrival of Radu Dragusin. And while there is interest from across Europe in the former Swansea City stopper, Rodon is understood to be very happy with how things have gone from him on loan at Leeds United.
The chance to stay on in West Yorkshire will appeal to the towering 26-year-old, with Leeds making it clear that they want to open talks about a full-time deal regardless of whether they are promoted or not.
Tottenham Hotspur ready to sell Leeds United loanee
Of course, a return to the Premier League would do Leeds’ hopes no harm, either from a sporting or a financial perspective. Daniel Farke’s second-place side have the Championship’s best defensive record, with the 6ft 4ins Rodon stepping up brilliantly in place of ageing skipper Liam Cooper.
“Behind the scenes, we’re working (on keeping Rodon), there’s no doubt about this,” Farke recently told the Yorkshire Evening Post. “We’re more than happy with Joe, his performances and (the way he is) developing. You see him growing more and more into a leader role.
“I think he’s happy to be here, happy to be an important part (of the squad). He was crucial to our really good performances, so we’re more than happy. We would like him to stay for a bit longer.”
Leeds pursuing Premier League return
It remains to be seen how much Tottenham will demand. Rodon has just over one year left on his contract in North London, however, meaning Spurs may struggle to make a sizeable profit on their £11 million investment.
Leeds can go top of the Championship this weekend. Farke, who twice won promotion at Norwich City, has his side just three points adrift of an out-of-form Leicester with Millwall travelling to Elland Road on Sunday.
Rodon’s Leeds predecessor Robin Koch, meanwhile, has earned his first Germany call up in three years after impressing since joining Eintracht Frankfurt on a permanent deal.
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