While Antonio Conte is not exactly a coach known for working with young players, if they are good enough they will get games. The development that Alessandro Bastoni showed at Internazionale, growing from youth prospect to one of the best defenders in the world, is proof of that. So is the work done with the likes of Nicolo Barella and, at Spurs, Ryan Sessegnon. Therefore, while reports linking Spurs with a Manchester United youth prospect might seem odd, it might have more merit in it than first assumed.
Reports in Manchester are linking Spurs with a move for James Garner. The midfielder impressed when on loan at Nottingham Forest, helping the Trent outfit to secure Premier League promotion. Given his form and the availability of Garner, some might wonder why Forest have not made the move permanent. Two reasons for this could exist: one, Forest seem to have bought every other player in the world besides Garner. Two, much like Spurs signing Djed Spence, Garner might not be keen on moving to the Midlands permanently.
Given that Spurs did sign Spence and now want Garner, though, it is proof that they watched Forest a lot last year – and liked what they seen. For the club, it would make sense especially as the midfield continues to be emptied of numbers. With the likes of Harry Winks and Tanguy Ndombele heading out the door before the end of the window, Spurs would be wise to bring in another player who can contribute.
Technically sound without being lazy off the ball, Garner would fit well with how the club plays. Crucially, he would also help to fill in the domestic requirements for players trained in England for the UEFA Champions League squad.
Ndombele set for move to Napoli
Spurs are also on the verge of getting rid of record transfer flop Ndombele. The midfielder arrived from Olympique Lyonnais, appeared wholly unsatisfied with his choice to join Spurs, and played like that for the entirety of his time at the club. Most fans will be eager to see the back of the player and, it is hoped, will be able to move on from what was a scarring transfer saga.
Having ‘beaten’ Arsenal to the player, most fans will wish the club never bothered. Ndombele never looked confident, happy, or comfortable in the team. He done very little under Mauricio Pochettino, endured a tough relationship with Jose Mourinho, and was back in France last season. Lyon chose not to do the deal, as most assumed would be the case, and now Spurs are lumbered with the player again.
That being said, it looks like he might have decided to move on. Napoli are set to bring the player in with a loan deal in place that would see them complete the signing. Given how much Spurs lost on this deal, any kind of recuperation of their fee and funds would be seen as a net positive at this stage.
Still, for most, this is probably the end that is most satisfying. If Ndombele can be replaced by the younger Garner, it might work out for the best for everyone involved.
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