Stan Collymore has cast serious doubts over what he has heard about Tottenham’s transfer plans this summer with Kieran Trippier said to be on the chopping block.
The English full back has been linked with a move away from north London ahead of the end of the season, with Napoli manager Carlo Ancelotti having already confirmed he is a player the Italian club will be looking at over a potential swoop.
However, revealing that he has heard both 16-cap England star Trippier and fellow right back Serge Aurier could be on their way, Collymore has questioned the suggestion and insisted that the club should be looking at strengthening their backup options right now.
He wrote in his Mirror column: “The word is that Kieran Trippier and Serge Aurier will be among those sold as he freshens up his squad.
“Certainly in Trippier’s case, I’m not sure how much I’d meddle with the first XI because I don’t think that’s where the problem is. What they need is quality back-up, players who will push Hugo Lloris, Jan Vertonghen, Dele Alli, Harry Kane and Son Heung-min, or who will replace them when they are injured or going through a dip in form.
“It’s about making sure the quantity matches the quality now for Tottenham.”
Opinion
Collymore does have a point here -why are Spurs looking at selling someone who has performed at a decent level for quite some time now? Yes, he might not have hit the heights he has shown in the past but everyone is entitled to a dip in form. It is about how the player bounces back which truly matters. Aurier’s exit would not cause many tears in north London but Trippier’s would definitely be something that the Lilywhite faithful could come to regret. On his day he is one of the most dangerous full backs the Premier League has to offer, delivering brilliant balls from out wide for the attacking talents, while he has been a resolute option at the other end of the pitch too. Keeping him on board, even if there was to be a new right back signing in the summer, would ensure that Mauricio Pochettino has quality in his squad heading into next season.