Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly decided against making Clement Lenglet's loan move from Barcelona permanent this summer.
While Spurs failed to bring in a new centre-back on a permanent basis last year, the Lilywhites struck a temporary deal for Lenglet for the 2022-23 season.
The France international has enjoyed regular game time in Antonio Conte's backline, featuring on 27 occasions in all competitions and contributing one goal and two assists.
Lenglet has featured from the first whistle 16 times in the current Premier League campaign, as well as making six starts in the Champions League as Spurs suffered last-16 heartache to AC Milan.
Despite his regular minutes, the consensus is that Lenglet has failed to convince on a consistent basis in North London, and a spot in the top four of the Premier League table is out of Tottenham's hands.
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It is unclear if there is an option for Tottenham to buy Lenglet at the end of the season, but Football Insider claims that the Lilywhites have no intention to make his stay permanent either way.
The report claims that Conte - who could also be on his way out imminently - has been left less than impressed with the 27-year-old's showings, and he will head back to Barcelona at the end of the season.
Chairman Daniel Levy and football director Fabio Paratici are said to share Conte's view that Lenglet should not be signed permanently, and Spurs will look elsewhere for defensive reinforcements in the summer.
While Lenglet remains under contract with Barcelona until 2026, the former Sevilla man quickly fell down the pecking order at Camp Nou, and it remains to be seen if he can force his way back into Xavi's plans.
Lenglet has scored seven goals and set up four more in 160 appearances for Barcelona since leaving Sevilla in 2018, winning one La Liga title, one Copa del Rey and one Supercopa de Espana at Camp Nou.
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The UEFA Nations League winner has often formed a three-man backline with Eric Dier and Cristian Romero this season, and he will likely play a prominent role in the final few weeks due to Ben Davies's hamstring injury.
The Wales international - who has alternated between a centre-back and wing-back role this season - is expected to miss at least four and potentially up to six weeks after coming off with the problem in Spurs' 3-3 draw with Southampton two weekends ago.
Davinson Sanchez and Japhet Tanganga are also available to Conte, but both have fallen out of favour, while Joe Rodon is currently plying his trade at Ligue 1 giants Rennes.
Napoli's Kim Min-jae is believed to be a prime target of Tottenham's for the summer transfer window, but Manchester United are also in the running to sign the South Korea international.
Tottenham take on Everton in their first game back following the international break on April 3, but it is unclear if Conte will still be in charge for that game following his explosive attack on his players following their draw with Southampton.
Ben Knapton
