Tottenham Hotspur left-back Sergio Reguilon looks set to depart north London this summer.
What's the talk?
That's according to a report by Spanish publication El Periodico Mediterraneo (via Sport Witness), who claim that, after Antonio Conte left the 25-year-old out of his squad for Spurs' pre-season tour of South Korea, the Spain international has now been moved to Fabio Paratici's transferable list this summer - with Sevilla reported to be keen on a move for the defender.
As a result, the report goes on to state that Paratici has now made contact with Villarreal CF regarding a move for Pervis Estupinan - the 24-year-old left-back who is believed to be available for a figure in the region of €15m (£13m) - with the Italian sporting director set to launch an official offer for the Ecuador international upon Reguilon's departure.
"Underrated"
With Conte very much appearing to prefer Ryan Sessegnon to Reguilon on the left last season, it is easy to see why the Italian manager is reportedly willing to part with the 25-year-old this summer, while it is also not difficult to understand why Paratici is lining up Estupinan as the Spaniard's replacement.
Indeed, over his 25 Premier League appearances - 16 of which came under Conte - in 2021/22, the £32m signing failed to impress at left wing-back, scoring two goals, providing three assists and missing three big chances in front of goal, as well as hitting the target with an average of 0.4 shots, losing possession 12.7 times and completing just 0.8 dribbles per fixture.
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These returns saw the £53k-per-week defender who Jonathan Woodgate dubbed "horrendous" average a disappointing SofaScore match rating of 6.91, ranking him as Tottenham's 12th-worst performer in the league last time out.
In comparison, Estupinan appears a much more promising prospect, with FBref ranking the 24-year-old in the top 3% of full-backs in Europe's big five leagues for interceptions per 90, as well as the top 27% for tackles, the top 28% for aerial duels won, the top 30% for blocks and the top 40% for pressures over the last 365 days.
The £26m-rated talent is also impressive with the ball at his feet, with FBref ranking the defender in the top 31% for dribbles completed per 90, in addition to the top 34% for passes attempted, the top 39% for progressive passes, the top 40% for touches in the opposition penalty area and the top 24% for progressive passes received over the past 12 months.
As such, should Paratici be able to move Reguilon on for anywhere near the £32m fee Spurs paid Real Madrid for his services this summer, making a £13m offer for the "underrated" - in the works of Jacek Kulig - Estupinan very much appears to be something of a no-brainer for the sporting director.
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