Tottenham Transfer News: Victor Wanyama Linked with Roma in Latest Rumours
Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly set to allow Victor Wanyama to join Roma.
According to Italian outlet La Repubblica (h/t MailOnline's Ben Nagle), the Giallorossi have been pursuing Steven Nzonzi this summer, but they have set their sights on Wanyama having failed to secure the France international's signature.
Spurs are yet to do any recruitment of their own this summer with the deadline to buy players looming on Thursday, August 9 at 5 p.m. BST, but they can sell players for the remainder of the month.
The Kenyan missed the first half of last season after suffering a knee injury at the start of the campaign, so he only made 24 appearances in all competitions, half of which were starts.
His form seemed to suffer as a result of the injury, as he struggled to impress upon his return.
He has also suffered a recurrence of that knee problem in pre-season training in July, which required him to be sent home from Spurs' tour of the United States.
Per ESPN FC's Ben Pearce, it does not appear he will be out for a significant length of time as a result, though:
Wanyama's distribution is something of a weakness, and that can be an issue for Spurs at times, but the 27-year-old brings a great deal of strength and physicality in midfield to protect the back line and break up opponents' play through the middle.
He can also provide cover at centre-back, making him a versatile and valuable option in the squad.
Football writer Andrew Gaffney cast doubt on the idea of selling him towards the end of last season:
Given the Lilywhites are yet to make an addition to their ranks this summer, it would seem unwise to part with him and reduce the amount of cover in their squad, even with his recent struggles for form and fitness.
Spurs' best option may be to assess the situation in the coming weeks after Thursday's deadline, by which time they may have brought in a new face or two.
That way, they'll give themselves time to make the most informed decision on whether he'll be needed for the season or be surplus to requirements.
