Matt Doherty joined Tottenham from Wolves (Getty Images)
According to Football.london, Tottenham are interested in signing Wolves star Matt Doherty ahead of the new campaign.
The report suggests that the Lilywhites boss Jose Mourinho is a big fan of the Ireland international and could sign him for £12m this summer. Doherty has three more years left on his contract but with Wolves’ desire to lure Ainsley Maitland-Niles from Arsenal, Tottenham are hoping to use the opportunity to sign the Irishman.
Born in Ireland, Doherty started his journey with Home Farm FC. He went on to play for Belvedere FC and Bohemians before joining Wolves in August 2010. However, he spent his initial Wolves career on loan spells with Hibernian and Bury to develop with regular game time.
Since returning to his parent club in January 2013, he has gone on to establish himself as an integral member of the squad. The Irishman played a crucial role in helping Wolves get promoted to the top-flight at the end of the 2017/18 campaign. He has been in sensational form in the last couple of seasons and also helped them reach the quarterfinals of the Europa League this term.
At the moment, Mourinho has just one established right-back at his disposal. Despite limited options on the right side of the defence, the manager allowed young Kyle Walker-Peters leave on loan last January before he made the switch permanent to Southampton last month.
Ivorian international Serge Aurier is the only option at right-back but the former PSG man has been prone to error. Moreover, he has attracted the attention of other European club and has been linked with a move elsewhere.
The manager has towards Gedson Fernandes to operate from the right side of the defence and so far, he has done well in pre-season. However, they lack an established and experienced campaigner in that position. Thus, an interest in Doherty seems to make sense.
Doherty has been in fine form for Nuno Espirito Santo’s side so far and has already made over 370 career appearances, with 302 of them coming in English football. His experience could be a massive boost to Tottenham’s defence if they lose Aurier.
Moreover, the Irishman also has quality while joining the team’s attack. Last season, he racked up 7 goals and 5 assists in 50 games across all competitions and has been reliable for Wolves. He could be a valuable addition to Mourinho’s squad if he is able to continue with the same form. And his versatile nature could also come in handy for the club.
With Aurier’s future uncertain and limited options at disposal, Tottenham need to bring in a right-back if they are to challenge for the top four spots next season. And Doherty could provide them with experience and some much-needed quality at the back. Thus, they should sign the Irish international this summer.
