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Tottenham make Tanguy Ndombele transfer decision as Liverpool and Barcelona circle
Tottenham have decided whether or not Tanguy Ndombele will be sold in the summer transfer window amid interest in the midfielder from Liverpool and Barcelona.
Spurs: Mourinho discusses Tanguy Ndombele's performance
Tottenham have no intention of selling Tanguy Ndombele this summer despite the record-signing being a transfer target for Liverpool and Barcelona. The 23-year-old has had a disappointing debut season after joining the north London club for a record fee of £55million from Lyon last summer.
However, according to the Independent, Tottenham will not be allowing Ndombele to leave when the window opens, either on loan or on a permanent move.
Ndombele has struggled with injuries and fitness issues in his debut season for Spurs and the Frenchman has only made 27 appearances so far this campaign, as he chipped in with two goals and four assists.
The central midfielder has also seen his fitness and commitment questioned by boss Jose Mourinho during this season.
After Tottenham's 1-1 draw against Burnley, Mourinho criticised Ndombele for his performance, after hauling the midfielder off at half-time.
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"I hope that he [Ndombele] uses every minute on the pitch, and every minute knowing what the Premier League, is to improve," Mourinho said after the game.
"There are many fantastic players that in first seasons in new countries, for different reasons, struggle. There are many examples.
"He's a player with a great talent, and he has to know he has to do much better.
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"I cannot keep giving him opportunities to play because the team is more important than the players, and they must be on the pitch as a consequence of their work and performance."
With football suspended and Ndombele's future uncertain, the midfielder has been linked with a move to either Liverpool or Barcelona.
According to French publication FootMercato, Liverpool are interested in a loan deal with a purchase option included, if Spurs were considering parting with Ndombele.
Meanwhile, Barcelona are also considering a move for the France international and are willing to offer a choice of two players to Spurs to include in a swap deal.
According to Sky Sports, Barca have offered Tottenham the chance to sign centre-back Samuel Umtiti and right-back Nelson Semedo in exchange for Ndombele.
However, Mourinho has also shown his commitment to work with Ndombele, during this break in play, as during the first weeks of the lockdown the Portuguese coach was seen holding a one-on-one training session with the midfielder in a public park.
Mourinho was told by Spurs chairman Daniel Levy that there was only a limited budget available for signings when he took the job.
And if Tottenham are not willing to sell any of their star players, including Ndombele, Mourinho could face the prospect of having to develop his players rather than replacing them this summer.