Reports have claimed Emerson Royal looks set to leave Tottenham Hotspur after a training ground bust-up with a member of staff.

What's the word?

The Brazilian has been disappointing for Spurs this season, receiving heavy criticism for his performances, and Tottenham fans may not be too displeased that he could leave the club.

The 23-year-old joined from Barcelona in the summer of 2021 but has been underwhelming for the majority of his Spurs career, with the defender booed as he entered the pitch as a substitute during his side's 2-0 home loss to Aston Villa.

Prior to their weekend clash, Football Insider revealed that the wing-back is now out of favour following a disagreement on the training ground.

Royal was then left out of the starting XI against Villa in favour of Matt Doherty, while he was unused in their Boxing Day draw with Brentford.

The report said: "It is believed that Emerson has fallen out of favour with Spurs after being involved in a training ground disagreement with a member of the first-team coaching staff.

"Spurs will listen to offers for him and he is now more likely to leave than Doherty, who is expected to stay in light of recent events.

"The Londoners had targeted a new right wing-back even before the training ground row involving Emerson and the coach."

An opportunity for Spence

If Emerson, who is rated at £31 million (CIES Football Observatory), does leave in January, it could mean that summer signing Djed Spence finally gets a chance to prove himself.

The Englishman has played just five minutes of Premier League football since his £20m move from Middlesbrough, and already deserved an opportunity given his strong form for Nottingham Forest last season.

If Spurs lose Emerson and struggle to find a replacement, Antonio Conte may be forced to give the 22-year-old game time, and if he plays well, he may be able to nail down a regular role in the team.