Destiny Udogie has emerged as a surprise candidate for a potential departure from Tottenham in the last few weeks.
The Italian has already developed into a top-quality left-back during his time in N17, so speculation surrounding a potential summer exit has come as a shock to many.
Udogie’s long-term future has been up in the air at Spurs recently, and it would be a major blow to Thomas Frank if he were to leave anytime soon.
The Dane’s main focus so far has been on recruiting new faces, and the last thing that he will want is to lose one of his most consistent performers.
This article includes exclusive comment from former Tottenham scout Bryan King.
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Spurs to set £50million Udogie demand after AC Milan scare
Tottenham endured a scare regarding Udogie’s future recently, as AC Milan made a move to try and snatch the 22-year-old away from them.
The Serie A giants made contact with the North Londoners to discuss the availability of their star, but ultimately opted to sign Brighton’s Pervis Estupinian instead.
However, if he continues to develop on his current trajectory, Milan’s advances will surely be the first of many that the Lilywhites have to encounter.
Ex-Spurs scout Bryan King – speaking exclusively to Tottenham News – believes that Daniel Levy and Co. should not even entertain the idea of selling Udogie for a fee below £50million.
“I definitely wouldn’t sell him (Udogie),” King said.
“When he’s fit, he’s a big asset to Tottenham. If I were Tottenham, I certainly wouldn’t want to lose a player of that quality.
“He’s certainly one of the better left-backs in the Premier League when he’s fit. If you want somebody of that calibre, he’s going to cost you £50m minimum, given what’s being branded about today for players.
“I wouldn’t entertain the idea of selling him.”
Udogie will be key for Tottenham once again
Udogie’s pre-season for the Lilywhites has been disrupted by an injury, but he should be just as important as ever before when he does return to the fold.
Frank must try and combine the most promising elements of last year’s team with high-quality new additions, and the defender certainly falls into the former bracket.
He has turned in consistently strong performances for Spurs during his two-year stint with the club, and there is a noticeable drop-off on the left side when he isn’t in the team.
Udogie may ultimately miss the opening few games of the Premier League season, but getting him back to full fitness will be crucial to the fortunes of Frank’s charges.