Reports emerged on Wednesday that Tottenham and Manchester United are both in the market to sign Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Jan Oblak – but Spurs could have the upper hand in the form of a Sergio Reguilon trump card.
The report says that both clubs are planning to sign a new long-term no.1. David De Gea is out of contract and will need replacing, while Hugo Lloris has a contract at Spurs until 2024. But next summer, he could also leave Spurs.
It is believed that 52-time Slovenia international Oblak has been identified by both clubs as the man to pursue. Spurs are probably better-positioned in terms of squad and manager – but Manchester United has the size, and the history.
A real close contest to see who gets Oblak, then. Bruno Fernandes opted for Manchester United – but Spurs have since improved. What might help Tottenham, is the fact that Sergio Reguilon is currently on loan at Atletico Madrid.
Tottenham could have upper Oblak hand in form of Reguilon trump card
Reguilon left Spurs on loan in the summer, after the North Londoners brought in Ivan Perisic. He instantly became third choice on the left flank – and with Destiny Udogie set to come in next summer, Reguilon will find himself fourth choice.
His time at Spurs is done. The 25-year-old has joined Diego Simeone’s side until the end of the season. The loan does not include a permanent clause, but that could now benefit Spurs. While he is yet to play for Atleti, he will do soon.
Indeed, he is back from injury. The chances are, he will do well at Atleti, having impressed in Spain beforehand. If so, Simeone will want to keep him beyond his loan. But they will have to negotiate a fee with Spurs in order to sign him.
However, Spurs can use Reguilon to their advantage. They can throw him into a deal for Oblak and still include a hefty cash sum for Oblak. So, if Atleti do want to keep Reguilon next summer, he might just help Spurs beat United to Oblak.
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