Tottenham Hotspur could be in the market for a new left-back this summer.
Tottenham Hotspur have been linked with a couple of left-backs ahead of the summer, namely Manchester United’s out-of-favour Luke Shaw and Fulham wonder-kid Ryan Sessegnon (the Sun).
It appears Spurs could be willing to allow Danny Rose to move on, and it is a deal that would ultimately make sense if they replace him with somebody cheaper and younger.
According to Spotrac Rose, 27, earns £60,000 a week in North London, yet the player has only made six Premier League appearances this term after falling behind Ben Davies in the pecking order.
Shaw and Sessegnon are both younger with arguably more potential but, if Mauricio Pochettino wants a cheaper alternative option, then he should look no further than Napoli’s Mario Rui.
The 26-year-old moved to Naples on loan from Roma last summer, with the obligation of signing him for less than £6 million on a permanent basis depending on the achievement of certain sporting targets.
The fee represents a bargain for Napoli, yet his future at his potential new club has already been thrown into question, with his agent recently telling reporters how he could move on unless the situation changes.
“Mario Rui is a great player, one of the best in his role in Europe. He will 100% not remain at Napoli if he is considered simply a luxury reserve player. He will stay if he can play in a starting role,” his agent Mario Giuffredi told Gianlucadimarzio.com.
The reason behind his agent’s comments can only be as a result of Rui’s position at Napoli, where only 17 Serie A starts suggests he is not always considered a regular first-team member.
Rui, a Portugal international, is quick, likes to press, is comfortable on the ball and joins in with the attack when possible – attributes which would fit in well with Spurs boss Pochettino’s philosophy.
He could be an ideal solution to providing competition with Davies if Rose leaves next season, and his agent’s recent comments suggest he could be available at a snip of his true value.
In 17 starts, he has an impressive two goals and three assists, making him one of the most effective attacking full-backs in Italy when given the opportunity.
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