Exclusive: Tottenham Hotspur are still hopeful of completing a deal for Swansea and Wales defender Joe Rodon before the extended domestic transfer window closes.
Although the international transfer deadline passed 11 days ago, Premier League side are still permitted to do business with EFL clubs until Friday evening, with Spurs targeting Rodon in recent weeks as part of their search for defensive reinforcements.
Spurs have seen centre-backs Jan Vertonghen and Juan Foyth leave the squad since the end of last season, the latter only on loan, without being replaced and Mourinho has made it clear that he wants to strengthen at the back.
90min understands that Mourinho has done his homework on 22-year-old Rodon, who graduated to the Swansea first-team in 2018, even getting a recommendation from Wales international teammate Gareth Bale since he returned to Spurs over summer.
Wales manager Ryan Giggs has also recommended Rodon to Manchester United, who have been tracking the player for over 12 months as a result and have considered making a rival approach.
Rodon himself has made it clear to Swansea that he wants to join a Premier League club and a source close to the situation has told 90min that Spurs ‘believe’ they will finalise a deal for Rodon.
Negotiations over the final fee are still ongoing, however. Swansea initially set their stall out by asking for £20m, but have lowered those demands to £18m in recent days. They consider their valuation of Rodon to be reasonable, although Spurs are still looking for a figure closer to £15m.
Rodon has been an ever-present for a Swansea side that has conceded just one goal in four Championship games so far this season. He also played a crucial role for Wales during this month’s UEFA Nations League fixtures against Ireland and Bulgaria, keeping consecutive clean sheets.
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Source: 90min
