Tottenham Hotspur's Joe Rodon 'closing in on Rennes move'

Tottenham Hotspur and Ligue 1 side Rennes are reportedly making progress in talks over an initial loan deal for Welsh defender Joe Rodon.

The 24-year-old made a mere 10 appearances in all tournaments during the 2021-22 season and only played 86 minutes of Premier League football under Antonio Conte and Nuno Espirito Santo.

The trio of Eric Dier, Cristian Romero and Ben Davies have established themselves as Conte's first choices, while Davinson Sanchez and Clement Lenglet are also ahead of Rodon in the pecking order.

As a result, the defender has been widely expected to complete a move away from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, where he remains under contract until the summer of 2025.

Rodon is said to be one of nine players who Spurs have listed for transfer, and Ligue 1 could seemingly become the Wales international's next destination.

© Reuters

According to The Athletic, Tottenham and Rennes are in discussion over a move for Rodon, and talks are progressing well between the two clubs.

Rodon did not travel with Tottenham to South Korea for their pre-season tour and was also left out of Conte's squad for Saturday's I-Tech Cup clash with Jose Mourinho's Roma.

Conte confirmed Rodon's imminent transfer away in his pre-game press conference, stating that the World Cup was a key factor in the centre-back seeking an exit from the club.

"Yeah Joe Rodon is another good player and don't forget that in November there is the World Cup and many players want to play and play regularly. Also to prepare themselves for this important competition," Conte told reporters.

"I think that when the thoughts from the club and the players are the same we try to find the best solution for both."

© Reuters

Rennes - who have lost Nayef Aguerd to West Ham United this summer - will supposedly possess the option to make Rodon's stay permanent for a €20m (£16.7m) fee in 2023.

The former Swansea City man has made 24 appearances for the Lilywhites since making the move in 2020, including 15 outings in the Premier League.

Tottenham have failed to bring in a new centre-back on a permanent basis this summer, with their pursuit of Inter Milan's Alessandro Bastoni ending in failure.

Following the admission of Bastoni's agent that the centre-back will stay at San Siro, Tottenham are said to have turned their attention to the likes of Pau Torres and Nikola Milenkovic.

Rodon is set to follow the likes of Steven Bergwijn, Jack Clarke and Cameron Carter-Vickers out of the Hotspur Way exit door, while Alfie Whiteman, Dane Scarlett and Troy Parrott have also left on loan deals.