Tottenham Hotspur could potentially receive interest from Fulham this month in their right-back Emerson Royal if they fail to land their top target.
There has been a lot of speculation surrounding the future of the Brazilian in north London over the last few weeks with reports suggesting he was involved in a bust-up at Hotspur Way with one of the coaches.
And this has then seen suggestions that Spurs would be willing to allow him to leave this month as Spurs target the likes of Pedro Porro.
However, the Brazilian is believed to be keen on remaining in north London for the time being with reports suggesting his representatives are not currently considering an exit.
But according to insider Dean Jones, speaking on the Ranks FC podcast, the Cottagers have emerged as a potential landing spot for the 23-year-old if he is made available this month:
“Obviously, Royal, by the way, I heard linked to Fulham the other day, someone told me, if they don’t get Cedric [Soares], so you never know.”
The Brazilian’s time in north London has been hugely underwhelming when you consider his output as a right wing-back in Antonio Conte’s system.
In 52 games under the Italian, Emerson has returned the Lilywhites just one goal and two assists, which is simply not good enough for a Conte wing-back.
And it seems as if Conte has realised he is not up to the standards he demands from his players with the 23-year-old having not started a league game since before the World Cup break.
However, there could be some potential notion that in a flat back-four, Emerson could potentially get back to his best form which saw him earn a move to Spurs in the first place.
Spurs signed the player as a right-back, so there is an argument to be made that perhaps he has been thrown into a system which he is not suited to play.
And when looking at his statistics on FBref, the Brazilian ranks fairly highly in clearances, aerial duels won and even tackles made despite playing in a slightly more advanced position.
The game against Liverpool last season saw Emerson play a much more defensive role up against the likes of Sadio Mane and the Brazilian passed the test with flying colours.
So perhaps he could revive his career at a club that would be willing to play him in his favoured position, but it does seem his Spurs future lies in the balance for now.