Manchester United and Manchester City are both interested in signing Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Harry Winks, per The Athletic’s David Ornstein.
What’s the word?
The England international has appeared to fall out of favour at Spurs, struggling for minutes under current manager Jose Mourinho.
Since the Portuguese’s appointment, he has played five times in the Premier League but has completed the 90 minutes just once – against West Ham United, in Mourinho’s opening game.
The big fat Tottenham quiz of 2019 – how much do you remember about the last year at Spurs?
The Athletic reports that, while City are unlikely to be busy in the January transfer window, they have an interest in acquiring Winks’ signature as they seek a replacement for Fernandinho.
United, though, are said to have “discussed” the 23-year-old and they could well launch a move this month.
Necessary
Winks is a necessary part of the Spurs squad.
While he may fly under the radar somewhat – he has not scored a goal nor has he provided an assist this season – he is the glue that holds the midfield together.
He routinely drops deep to collect the ball and then recycles it accurately and effectively, allowing those players ahead of him to create chances and pick the defensive locks.
Interest from two giant clubs should not come as a surprise, then, and Spurs would be silly to make any decisions just yet.
Of course, a massive bid could change anyone’s mind but one has to feel that they should resist any advances this month.
The midfield is an area in which Spurs have had a few problems – they do not have a natural defensive midfielder bar Eric Dier, who has been forced into playing in the back four – and allowing a player as talented as Winks to leave mid-season would be a mistake.
Meanwhile, Spurs fans have criticised one man.