Tottenham Hotspur have moved swiftly to identify an alternative to Morgan Rogers after the latest developments regarding the Aston Villa star.
Various sources have reported that Spurs were ready to spend big on Rogers since the summer window, but a deal for the Aston Villa man always seemed difficult.
It was reported that Tottenham could try again to land Rogers in January, but the speculation has now been put to rest by the latest development regarding the England international.
The Athletic have now confirmed that the 23-year-old has agreed on a new contract with Aston Villa until 2031, and it has not taken long for Spurs to move on to an alternative.
Tottenham want to sign Iliman Ndiaye in 2026
Journalist Dean Jones has now revealed that the news of Rogers’ new deal comes as a blow to the Lilywhites as the Villa star is the player they were keen to sign to signal their ambition.
He revealed that Thomas Frank’s men have now set their sights on Illiyan Ndiaye, who has gone from strength to strength since swapping Marseille for Everton in the summer of 2024.
Jones told TEAMtalk: “Friday was not a great day for Tottenham in terms of transfer news as two of the players they really like from within the Premier League look like they won’t be gettable any time soon.
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“They always knew it was going to be a stretch, but there really is no limit in terms of the ambition Spurs are going to show from this point on. Morgan Rogers is someone they really like, and they were very close to initiating late talks in the summer to try to sign him.
“Ultimately, they realised it would be a waste of time, so they moved on to sort other deals, but of course they have still kept him in mind. Now that he has signed a new deal, that’s not going to happen any time soon, so he will have to be put aside as a target.
“It’s not a major blow because they expected it to be a difficult deal, but I do think that Ndiaye has crept onto their radar as someone that might become more attainable. “
Is Illiyan Ndiaye a realistic target for Spurs?
Some sources have said over recent weeks that Tottenham would have to pay over £60m to land Iliman Ndiaye from Everton.
The North Londoners are also expected to face competition from Newcastle United, while Juventus, AC Milan, and Atletico Madrid for the Senegal international.
However, Jones believes that the speculation linking the 25-year-old with a move to N17 is one worth watching.
He added: “If this season does not go well at Everton, then it’s possible they would look at him (Ndiaye) as someone they could try to sign.
“Spurs have a list that has been formed over the past couple of weeks, and he is a player with a spark, and that’s the sort of thing Tottenham are looking for.
“David Moyes has spoken about the speculation and has put a lid on it for now by insisting he won’t be going anywhere. It’s probably one to keep an eye on.”