The Athletic: Spurs closing in on Real Madrid fullback Sergio Reguilon

We’ve had enough arguing about transfers for older players today. Let’s talk about some good transfer rumors for Tottenham Hotspur, yes?

The Athletic’s David Ornstein, arguably the most reliable man not named Fabrizio Romano with transfer news, is saying Spurs are close to beating out Manchester United for the services of Real Madrid fullback Sergio Reguilon.

The article itself is paywalled, so I’ll paraphrase the biggest parts.

Zinedine Zidane doesn’t have Reguilon in his plans. It’s gone so far as to loaning the fullback to a third-tier side at one point, although his most recent stint was at Europa League champions Sevilla. He played quite well for the La Liga side, but it seems that’s not enough to break into Zidane’s squad.

Reguilon is 23 years old and has yet to reach his prime. Mourinho is quite high on the Spanish fullback and he would provide ample backup to Ben Davies. This does leave a question mark regarding Ryan Sessegnon. Mourinho praised the young fullback in the pre-season, but he may think he needs more seasoning or might want to use him further up the pitch. That’s conjecture, of course, but we have to read between the lines on possible deals here.

Now, if I may have a Pepe Silvia moment here and put on a tinfoil hat...it is entirely possible that the Bale news breaking today may be Levy greasing the wheels with Real Madrid. It’s clear as day that Madrid want Bale gone. Zidane wants to get rid of Reguilon but obviously he has some value. Levy agreeing to take Bale off of their hands to secure Reguilon makes the nostalgia trip with Bale far more palatable. I will 100% forgive that move if it means bringing a fullback for the left flank.

Both Ornstein and Jack Pitt-Brooke were on this news, so this is absolutely a thing. More to come.

UPDATE (1:43PM ET):

Alisdair Gold has entered the fray to confirm.

UPDATE #2 (2:00PM ET):

For those who were asking why the United deal has fallen apart, the buyback clause Madrid wanted was a non-starter. We know Levy isn’t a fan, but holy hell he might be making an exception:

It has to be an amazing deal if Levy is going along with this.

UPDATE #3 (2:14PM ET):

Jason Burt from the Telegraph, another reliable source, confirming that the numbers are being hidden and a buyback seems like it’s going to happen.

UPDATE #4 (2:16PM ET):

MOAR UPDATES! HELLO FABRIZIO HOW ARE YOU GIVE ME GOOD NEWS!

UPDATE #5 (2:19PM ET):

I. Can’t. Keep. Up.

**insert witty line here**