Why Tottenham should prioritise signing Alex Telles over Ryan Sessegnon

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Tottenham have been consistently linked with a move for Fulham starlet Ryan Sessegnon, but should they be focusing on Porto’s Alex Telles instead?

Ryan Sessegnon is set to play Premier League football next term, but it looks increasingly unlikely that the Championship Player of the Year will remain at Fulham beyond the summer transfer window, with Tottenham being touted as his next potential destination, according to The Sun.

However, perhaps Mauricio Pochettino should take Tottenham out of the running for the 18-year-old’s signature, in favour of sign the seemingly under-the-radar Alex Telles.

Since joining from Galatasaray in 2016, Porto’s Brazilian left-back has blossomed from a talented prospect into a fantastic player. He played a pivotal role as Porto secured their first league title in five years last term.

Despite plying his trade almost exclusively from left-back, the 25-year-old amassed an impressive 20 assists in 45 appearances, capturing the interest of the Argentine coach for his prolific attacking qualities, and simultaneously his defensive contribution.

It seems as though Sessegnon is beginning the transition from left-back to left-winger, having been deployed in a more advanced position frequently in the run-in by Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic, recognising that the England U21’s attacking qualites far outweigh his defensive capabilities, and that should be a cause for concern for Tottenham.

Tottenham have reportedly made Manchester United’s Anthony Martial their priority target this term (The Mirror), as an attacking reinforcement for the left-wing, while also looking to secure an additional left-back.

As it stands Telles is a proven left-back with a stunning track record and would come at a fraction of the price of Sessegnon – at a reported £50million (The Telegraph) – making a Tottenham decision a pretty simple one logistically.

Should Tottenham secure the signing of the Fulham starlet, the club would still likely need to bring in reinforcements for the fullback position, so Telles just seems the logical option of the two.