Rodrigo Bentancur’s contract situation is continuing to cause concern for Tottenham.
The Uruguayan’s current deal is due to expire at the end of the season, and that could see the Lilywhites lose out on an important part of Thomas Frank’s plans if they do not act quickly.
Tottenham could lose Bentancur for free at the end of the season, and he could even agree to an exit in January, when European clubs will be able to sign him on a pre-contract agreement.
He has started two of Spurs’ three Premier League games so far this season, but they now have even more reason to be concerned regarding his future.
Rodrigo Bentancur to be keen on La Liga switch as Atletico Madrid ready for deal
Bentancur’s situation at Tottenham has been complicated even further by the fact that Atletico Madrid are showing a sustained interest in the midfielder.
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The Spanish capital club made their interest in him clear over the summer, and it doesn’t appear to have faded at all in the last few weeks.
Diego Simeone’s men would “seriously value” the addition of the 28-year-old to their ranks in the coming months, according to Spanish outlet Fichajes.
They are understood to be unwilling to pay a transfer fee for the former Juventus man, but are hugely keen if the opportunity presents itself to sign him on a free.
It is thought that Bentancur “would welcome” his first experience in La Liga, which adds a real sense of urgency for Tottenham to settle his future as quickly as possible.
Tottenham have to tie down Rodrigo Bentancur
Bentancur would likely demand a significant wage at Tottenham if he did agree to a new deal in North London, but Spurs simply cannot afford to lose him.
His importance to their project has grown massively in the last few seasons, and he has already turned in several impressive performances since the start of the new campaign.
The threat of him potentially agreeing to move elsewhere as soon as January must surely spark the Lilywhites hierarchy into decisive action regarding his future.
They have to try and do everything that they can to keep him around, rather than just admitting defeat and accepting that they will lose him for nothing.