Tottenham could still reportedly be open to selling Emerson Royal this summer, but only if the right offer comes in before the transfer window shuts.
A number of fringe Spurs players are expected to be moved on before the September 1 deadline, with midfield duo Tanguy Ndombele and Giovani Lo Celso seemingly on their way to LaLiga outfit Villarreal.
Harry Winks and Sergio Reguilon are also expected to quit north London. Meanwhile, doubts continue over Japhet’s Tanganga’s long-term future.
But while the five players mentioned all failed to play a part in Saturday’s win over Southampton, Emerson actually started that game.
The Brazilian was impressive throughout, with his cross leading to an own goal from Mohammed Salisu. He also grabbed an assist for Dejan Kulusevski’s strike that wrapped up the victory.
Emerson was expected to be third choice behind Matt Doherty and summer signing Djed Spence when the season began.
But despite impressing against Saints, Fotball.London’s Alasdair Gold still believes Emerson could be sold.
Gold told his YouTube channel: “It’s interesting. There’s a part of me that still feels that if Spurs were to get a good bid for him, they might accept it. Whether he would want to move or not, I don’t know.
“If you’re in a world where it meant nothing how big your squad was, I still think as a squad player, he’s a very good option.
“Even talking when I asked about the right-backs on Thursday in the press conference before the match – may be reading too much into it. But Conte spoke about Doherty, he spoke about Spence and then he spoke about Emerson at the end.”
If Emerson does leave Tottenham, then there is every likelihood he could join Reguilon in returning to Spain.
Emerson exit make more sense in January
If Emerson is shown the door then a January move rather than this summer appears to make more sense.
New boy Spence is still unproven in the top flight. Meanwhile, Matt Doherty had his injury problems towards the end of last season.
Emerson also impressed as last season went on and he hardly put a foot wrong against Southampton.
At this stage, with Tottenham facing Premier League, Champions League and domestic cup action before a November World Cup, it’s sensible to try and keep as strong a squad as possible.
The main issue for Emerson is for the Brazilian to show his qualities against Spurs’ Champions League rivals.
He tended to struggle more against the other big-six sides last term. However, perhaps having two players breathing down his neck has made the 23-year-old take his game to another level.
Tottenham are next in action when they head to Chelsea on Sunday.