Tottenham Hotspur's chances of signing Chelsea defender Renato Veiga have reportedly been dashed, with the Blues said to be reluctant to conduct business with their rivals.
Ange Postecoglou's side take on Nottingham Forest in the Premier League on Monday night, but a victory would do little to resurrect his side's dismal domestic season.
Spurs are in 16th place and have just 37 points after 32 matchweeks, and the club will have to win the Europa League if they are to qualify for Europe.
The Londoners will need to make additions in the transfer market to improve their fortunes next term, especially as the futures of centre-backs Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero are far from certain.
However, while Football Insider claim that Spurs hold an interest in £30m-rated Chelsea centre-back Veiga, who is currently on loan at Juventus, they also report that the Blues would not be easy to negotiate with due to the clubs' rivalry.
© Imago
Is Renato Veiga the right fit?
Veiga is only 21 years old but already has experience operating as a centre-back, left-back and at the base of midfield, though he is most comfortable in central defence.
The Portuguese is an active defender and prefers to engage his opponents earlier in phases of play in order to prevent attacks from becoming dangerous.
However, it should be noted the Veiga has only started eight league games this season - one for Chelsea and seven for Juventus - and it would be surprising if he was able to step up and become an immediate Premier League regular for Spurs given his limited experience.
© Imago
Could 2025-26 be difficult for Tottenham?
Spurs are 23 points worse off at this stage of the season compared to last term, and while it might not be difficult to improve next season given their poor displays this campaign, Postecoglou's position could still be under severe pressure.
First-choice centre-backs Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero have both frequently suffered injuries, and with speculation that they could leave in the summer, Tottenham may be forced into making several changes at the back.
Additionally, attacking midfielder James Maddison has been plagued by inconsistency, while veteran winger Son Heung-min has struggled as he has aged.
Even if Postecoglou was to lead Spurs to Europa League glory this season, he is unlikely to find much respite in 2025-26 should results in the Premier League continue to disappoint.
Lewis Nolan
