Atletico Madrid have reportedly made a concrete move to snap up Tottenham left-back Sergio Reguilon, who is also on the radar of Nottingham Forest and other European clubs.
Reguilon is completely out of the picture at Spurs, with Antonio Conte instead preferring the talents of Ryan Sessegnon and summer signing Ivan Perisic in the left wing-back position.
Forest are known to be on the lookout for a new left-sided defender, having lost Omar Richards to injury. And that is where Reguilon fits in, along with Atletico star Renan Lodi as well.
But Steve Cooper’s men could be on a win-win over the whole transfer scenario. If Atletico snap up Reguilon the Lodi will be available to leave, but if the Spanish side drop their interest in Spain international Reguilon then Forest can renew their own desire to sign the player.
However, according to TuttoMercatoWeb and now AS, Atletico have already contacted Tottenham over a deal.
The report states ‘there is a serious question and talks to repatriate’ Reguilon on loan with the possible inclusion of a purchase option.
Other offers on the table for Spain star
He has received several other offers, including one from Lazio, but a return to Spain is the most likely outcome.
With Reguilon potentially heading back to Madrid, Lodi’s future at Atletico will then become much clearer.
Marca adds that Diego Simeone has decided to let go of the Forest target because the market has put ‘replacement of guarantees within reach’. That guarantee is Reguilon, who is a straight replacement for the former.
The report claims that Atletico sporting director Andrea Berta is aware the 25-year-old has no place in north London and views him as a ‘good opportunity’ to replace Lodi.
There is no mention, however, of an obligation to buy being included in the loan. That is certain to be something that Tottenham would prefer, as Conte continues to overhaul his squad.
Reguilon falls to fulfill his potential
On his initial arrival at Spurs in September 2020, Reguilon looked an absolute steal of a signing.
Costing around £27million, the Spaniard was coming off an outstanding campaign on loan at Sevilla. Indeed, Real Madrid rated him so highly they made sure of including a buy-back clause.
But, after starting brightly in north London, Reguilon’s form dropped off quite badly. Indeed, his defensive shortcomings were often exposed against better Premier League sides.
It’s also fair to say that Conte has not been a fan since first walking into the club. He often preferred to use the right-footed Matt Doherty on the left towards the end of last season.
And with the youthful Sessegnon and top Croatian Perisic now battling it out for one spot, Reguilon’s time is done.
However, it will not be a big surprise if he starts to look a player again back in Spain. It may just be that the style of play in LaLiga suits his game that much better.
