Aston Villa made ‘enquiry’ for Tottenham Hotspur midfielder set for Premier League departure

Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Tanguy Ndombele was the subject of interest from Aston Villa during the January transfer window.

That was the claim made by CBS sports journalist Ben Jacobs during an interview with a Spurs supporters podcast.

The French international joined Spurs from Ligue 1 club Lyon for a club record fee of £54million in July 2019 but has endured a largely underwhelming spell in North London.

He made 91 appearances in two and a half seasons with Spurs but rapidly fell out of favour following Antonio Conte’s arrival in November last year.

Ndombele made just three starts in all competitions before returning to Lyon in a loan deal that was completed on the final day of the January transfer window.

However, Jacobs has claimed Steven Gerrard was keen to secure the services of the midfielder this summer before his return to his former club.

Speaking on the ‘Last Word on Spurs’ YouTube channel, he said: “There has been no source from the Premier League who has said they are interested in the player at this stage.

“The only club who I can tell you made an enquiry in January with a view to this window was Aston Villa. But they haven’t materialised or advanced that in any way, shape or form. If he goes, and I think that’s likely, I see him leaving the Premier League.”

Gerrard has already strengthened his midfield options this summer after adding Marseille’s Boubacar Kamara to his ranks since the end of last season.

Ndombele is now back at Spurs but there has been little suggestion to indicate Gerrard may follow up his reported interest in the seven-times capped France international.

Ndombele’s future remains uncertain following his return to North London and there have been reports Galatasaray are keen to offer him a chance to reignite his career in Turkey.