Rodrigo Bentancur may be about to have his fate sealed at Tottenham.
The midfielder has become an increasingly important player for the Lilywhites over the last few seasons, and he is a steady and reliable presence in the middle of the park.
Bentancur’s contract at Tottenham is due to expire at the end of the season, and that has prompted plenty of speculation recently as to where his long-term future may lie.
Thomas Frank’s side got off to a winning start in the Premier League against Burnley, but they could be about to lose a player who plays a vital role at the heart of the team.
This article includes exclusive comment from former Tottenham scout Bryan King.
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Thomas Frank to want others to be sold instead of Rodrigo Bentancur
Bentancur’s future at Spurs has been cast into further doubt in the last few days, following news of a transfer offer from Fenerbahce.
Jose Mourinho’s side are understood to have placed a bid of around £12.9million for the Uruguayan, according to reports in Turkey.
That proposal now presents Tottenham with a decision to make, and the likelihood of Bentancur signing a new deal must also be considered.
Ex-Spurs scout Bryan King – speaking exclusively to Tottenham News – believes that Frank will be keen to make the point to Daniel Levy that the 28-year-old cannot be allowed to leave.
“I don’t think that (£12.9m) would be a fair amount,” King said.
“Bentancur is a very good footballer, he’s proved that again during pre-season, and he’ll be central to Tottenham this season.
“Fenerbahce seem to be coming in for everybody. Where have they got that figure from?
“He was a regular player in the Premier League last year, and a very good one at that. If they want him, they’ve got to clear £20m at least.
“If I were Frank, I’d have said to Levy, ‘There are other players we can get rid of; I would like him to remain with his experience and his ability.’
“He’s a top, top player.”
Tottenham can’t sell Rodrigo Bentancur
Bentancur’s importance to Tottenham cannot be underestimated, and Frank will be relying on players like him in the early stages of his reign.
Spurs will undoubtedly undergo something of a transition period at times this season, and the new boss will need the continuity that the likes of Bentancur can provide.
The N17 outfit cannot afford to sell the former Juventus man in what remains of the transfer window, even if it means losing him for free next summer.