The Irish fullback is reportedly a target for Jose Mourinho’s men. Matt Doherty was excellent for Wolves last season so it’s no surprise to see him linked with a move to Tottenham. Unfortunately for him and his side, their 7th place finish didn’t earn them European football as Arsenal, who finished below them, won the FA Cup.
Following the sales of Kieran Trippier to Atletico Madrid and Kyle Walker-Peters to Southampton in the last two summers, Serge Aurier is the only senior right-back at Tottenham currently and Matt Doherty will be a welcome addition. While Doherty plays as a right wing-back for Wolves in a back three, he shouldn’t have too many issues playing as a traditional right-back in a back four.
He is also very attack-minded and showed it with his goal in Wolves’ 3-2 defeat of Spurs on March 1, lapping up a Japhet Tanganga error from in-tight. The North Londoners have already recruited Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg from Southampton and Joe Hart on a free transfer as well as young midfielder Alfie Devine from Wigan Athletic.
Despite having three years on his current deal, Spurs are confident that a move could materialise. They remain open to selling Serge Aurier who has interest from Bayer Leverkusen and AC Milan and want Doherty who is valued close to £15million, to replace him.
Perhaps in a preparation for Doherty’s departure, Wolves have also made contact with Arsenal with a possible move for Ainsley Maitland-Niles and have had a £15million opening bid for Maitland-Niles rejected on Wednesday with Arsenal wanting at least £20m. The Englishman would not only be a direct replacement for Doherty but also a possible option in central midfield.
It is likely that both moves are dependent on each other as Wolves may not want to sell the Irish defender without a replacement in sight. Should Arsenal choose to sell Maitland-Niles who hasn’t featured regularly, then this transfer merry-go-round could be well and truly on.
