It's been a difficult season for everybody at Southampton, one that could well end in the club's relegation to the Championship, and according to The Sun that will result in a summer transfer battle for the services of Ryan Bertrand - with Tottenham one of the four clubs interested in the England international as they eye potential replacements for Danny Rose.

But that doesn't mean the former Chelsea youngster's individual form should be excused and considering his reputation as one of the Premier League's most consistent full-backs outside of the Big Six, Bertrand's efforts this season have certainly underwhelmed.

Indeed, there's an almost superficial assumption that Bertrand is one of the Premier League's most proven and dependable left-backs, but the statistics this season don't quite back that up.

The 28-year-old has averaged only slightly more than one tackle and one interception per match this term, although he's only been dribbled past on eleven occasions - only six players to make more than 10 Premier League appearances at left-back this season boast a better return in that regard.

Offensively too, there should be key doubts for Tottenham. The Lilywhites should surely be eyeing an offensive-minded and dynamic left-back this summer to compliment the more solid and sturdy styles of Ben Davies, someone who is of a similar mould to Rose like Ryan Sessegnon or Luke Shaw.

While Bertrand has made important contributions going forward this season, particularly in terms of chance creation, he lacks that ability to surge on the counter-attack and beat a man in quite the same way, as shown by his modest dribble return.

Considering how important attacking full-backs are to Pochettino's game-plan to the extent that he often utilises them as wing-backs, that could prove to be a real problem in terms of the balance of the team.

So, Tottenham, with The Sun valuing Bertrand at £25million, would you back a summer swoop for his services? Let us know by voting below...

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