Pundit tips Spurs to make January approach for Chelsea player

Former Sunderland striker Kevin Phillips has backed Tottenham Hotspur to reignite their interest in Antonio Rudiger during the January transfer window.

Tottenham reportedly made an attempt to sign German international on deadline day after seeing their deal for Inter Milan defender Milan Skriniar fall through.

Reports have since indicated that the Lilywhites have now turned their attentions Swansea City defender Joe Rodon, with Premier League clubs allowed to do business with their EFL counterparts until Friday October 16 (Daily Star).

Despite staying put at Chelsea, Rudiger does not appear to be in Frank Lampard’s plans, having not made a single appearance so far this season (transfermarkt.com).

German national team manager Joachim Low admitted last week that the centre-back “tried everything” to leave Chelsea in the summer and will once again look to orchestrate a move away from the club in January, especially with the Euros coming up next summer (Goal.com).

Phillips believes that Mourinho will want to snap up Rudiger when the transfer window reopens in January.

The pundit told Football Insider: “They [Tottenham] have made some fantastic signings this summer but I think Mourinho will dive into the market in January so the Rudiger deal could happen then.

“If you look at the acquisitions Tottenham have made this summer, they have been very good.

“I honestly think Spurs will be challenging in an around that top four and possibly higher. It could be one of those bizarre seasons where anything could happen. It has certainly been the case so far.”

Spurs Web Opinion

Given that January is just a little over two and a half months away, perhaps it might be wise to wait until January to see if a deal for Skriniar or Rudiger would be possible (assuming they were our Mourinho’s two main central defensive targets), rather than rush into a deal for Joe Rodon.

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